Houthi missile launch intercepted overnight; major damage to school
An elementary school in Ramat Gan's Ramat Efal neighborhood sustained significant damage early Thursday when debris from an interceptor missile, launched to counter a Yemeni ballistic missile, struck the campus. The incident occurred after air raid sirens activated throughout the Dan metropolitan region at 2:47 a.m.
Israel's missile defense system successfully intercepted a Yemeni ballistic missile early Thursday, but the operation's debris caused significant damage to an elementary school in central Israel, forcing its immediate closure and highlighting the expanding reach of regional conflicts. The incident in Ramat Gan occurred at 2:47 a.m. when interceptor fragments struck the school's main building.
An elementary school in Ramat Gan's Ramat Efal neighborhood sustained significant damage early Thursday when debris from an interceptor missile, launched to counter a Yemeni ballistic missile, struck the campus. The incident occurred after air raid sirens activated throughout the Dan metropolitan region at 2:47 a.m. Emergency services responded to multiple calls about smoke near the school approximately 10 minutes after the sirens. Fire crews discovered impact damage in the school's courtyard, with several vehicles and adjacent structures also affected. No injuries were reported.
The damaged school in Ramat Gan following the Dec. 19 missile attack on Israel
The incident prompted an immediate response from local authorities. "Municipal teams are on site handling all necessary measures, including coordinating alternative arrangements for students while maintaining educational continuity," said Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen, who personally oversaw the emergency response.
According to an initial investigation by the Israeli Air Force, and examination of findings at the impact site at the school in Ramat Gan, it appears that there was a partial interception of the missile launched this morning from Yemen, and it was found that the missile's warhead was the component that exploded and caused the damage.
Video: Hagari speaks after the Israeli attack on the Houthis / Credit: IDF Spokesperson
Officials determined the facility must remain closed until a thorough safety assessment is completed. In response to the closure, the municipality announced immediate contingency plans. "Grades 1-4 and special education students will be relocated to nearby schools, while higher grades will transition to remote learning effective immediately," the official statement said. The Home Front Command indicated no changes to general safety guidelines, allowing normal routines to continue in the area.
Shama-Hacohen, speaking both as mayor and parent of an Efal School student, emphasized the fortunate timing of the incident: "Tonight ended with great fortune for Ramat Gan residents. I cannot bear to imagine a scenario where this occurred during school hours, even with our fully fortified and sheltered facilities." "Our municipal teams continue their comprehensive response - from managing student relocation while maintaining educational continuity, to damage assessment and restoration of public spaces to the extent possible."
