Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar congratulated the Iranian-backed Houthi movement in Yemen for their missile strike on Israel in a letter published Monday on the Hamas website. The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, launched a ballistic missile towards central Israel on Sunday morning, causing sirens to blare from Tel Aviv to Modiin.
In his letter, Sinwar commended Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi for the “success in reaching the depth of the enemy entity,” referring to Israel. An Israeli Air Force investigation revealed that while the missile was intercepted, it wasn’t fully neutralized, breaking apart mid-air and causing minor damage from falling debris. Despite Houthi claims that the missile was hypersonic, Israeli findings indicated otherwise.
The Houthis have launched over 220 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel in the past 11 months, mostly targeting Eilat. The majority of these attacks were intercepted or missed.
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Sinwar’s letter also addressed Hamas’s ongoing fight with Israel in Gaza. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, Hamas has been under intense military pressure. Despite reports of difficulties, Sinwar assured that Hamas was prepared for a long battle, dismissing negative reports as psychological warfare.
Sinwar, believed to be hiding in Gaza’s tunnel networks, has made limited public statements since the start of the conflict. He remains Israel’s top target but has so far avoided capture, despite efforts by both Israel and the U.S.
In closing, Sinwar reaffirmed the unity of regional resistance forces, mentioning support from Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon and Iraq, stating that “our efforts, along with the resistance in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq, will defeat the enemy.”
