Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military reported that a drone was launched from Yemen.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, with attempts made to intercept it.

The Magen David Adom emergency medical service confirmed that 20 individuals were taken to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.

The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike following the attack.

A spokesman for the group, Yahya Sarea, emphasized that two drones targeted specific 'Israeli enemy targets' in what they deemed a successful operation.

Israeli TV stations broadcast live footage of the drone strike and the subsequent smoke rising from the impact site, intensifying concerns over the regional conflict.

Footage verified by the BBC depicted a drone disappearing behind nearby buildings just before the explosion, showing visible panic and movement as birds scattered into the sky.

The IDF indicated that troops and police were promptly dispatched to Eilat to aid in evacuations, with a helicopter later deployed to assist the wounded.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz expressed wishes for a full recovery to those affected, while condemning the Houthi actions, stating that 'the terrorists refuse to learn' and emphasizing the consequences of such attacks on Israeli soil.

The attack represents one of the most significant Houthi drone strikes in terms of casualties, following previous attacks that had not resulted in injuries.

Eilat, a popular tourist destination, has recently faced similar threats from Houthi drones, with one instance occurring just last week.

The Houthis have embraced missile and drone launches towards Israel as a response to the ongoing humanitarian crises affecting Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.

Israeli military operations have retaliated against the Houthis, targeting their control centers in Yemen in an attempt to deter further attacks.

This brewing conflict showcases the intricate global repercussions of the ongoing tensions in the region, further complicated by the international dimensions of warfare and power struggles.