Israeli warplanes have hit several sites in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, today including an area near the presidential palace and an oil depot. Explosions shook Sanaa, after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi missile bases. Local officials say at least two people were killed. The strikes mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis.

The Israeli strikes on Sanaa, which Israeli media say used more than 30 munitions to hit four targets, come two days after the Houthis said they launched a ballistic missile and two drones at Tel Aviv and Ashkelon in Israel.

The Israeli military has now confirmed that for the first time, the Yemeni group used a cluster warhead missile. It said similar munitions were used by Iran to hit Israel during their 12-day war in June as well.

Israel has also escalated attacks on Gaza City as it moves forward with its plan to seize it and force its population south. As per the media reports, in continued attacks across Gaza more than 30 Palestinians have been killed today.