France condemns Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, urges end to regional escalation

By Nur Asena Erturk

France on Friday condemned a drone attack on Tel Aviv, according to an official statement.

"France condemns the drone attack that targeted Tel Aviv the night of July 18 to 19, claimed by the Houthis," the French foreign ministry said in the statement.

The ministry expressed its condolences to the victims’ families, and added: "Houthis backed by Iran must cease their attacks that fuel the regional escalation, including in the Red Sea."

France also reaffirmed its "commitment to regional stability and Israel’s security."

Early Friday morning, the Houthi group launched a surprise attack, marking the first instance of a bomb-laden drone targeting Tel Aviv.

Through its military spokesman Yahya Saree, the Yemeni Houthi group declared Tel Aviv an "unsafe area" and a "primary target for its weapons."

At least one Israeli was killed and 10 others were injured in the drone attack.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the drone that hit Tel Aviv was an Iranian-made Samad-3 model and it is believed to have been launched from Yemen.

There has been no immediate response from the Iranian side concerning Hagari's claims.