Jerusalem, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that they successfully intercepted four drones that were launched from Yemen targeting the Red Sea resort city of Eilat in southern Israel. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported.

The drones were fired within a short span of one hour, activating air raid sirens throughout Eilat, which is bustling with Israeli tourists celebrating the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot that commenced on Monday evening.

Footage shared by Israeli media showcased the interceptions, resulting in mushroom-shaped smoke clouds over the city, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the IDF also reported a rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip towards the Israeli village of Netiv HaAsara, situated near the Gaza border.

The IDF indicated that the rocket likely landed in an uninhabited area, with no casualties reported.

In related news, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong condemnation regarding the ongoing arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and their partners, alongside the illegal seizure of UN properties in areas controlled by Houthi forces.

The spokesperson for the UN made this statement on Monday after it was reported that nine more UN personnel were detained by the Houthi authorities in Yemen.

With these latest detentions, the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen since 2021 has escalated to 53, as stated by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief.

This ongoing situation severely impedes the ability of the United Nations to function effectively in Yemen and deliver essential aid. The Secretary-General has voiced deep concern for the safety and security of UN personnel within Yemen.

Guterres reiterated his urgent plea for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel, as well as those from non-governmental organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions, emphasizing that they must be treated with the utmost respect and protected in compliance with international law.

Furthermore, the UN chief insisted that UN personnel must be allowed to operate independently and without obstruction, asserting that UN premises and assets are inviolable and must be safeguarded at all times in accordance with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

“The United Nations remains committed to tirelessly working through all available channels to ensure the safe and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained personnel, as well as the recovery of UN agency offices and assets,” the statement noted.

“The Secretary-General is unwavering in the UN's commitment to assist the people of Yemen in their pursuit of a fair and lasting peace,” it concluded.