Yemen's Houthis confirm prime minister killed in Israeli strike

The Houthis announced on Saturday that their prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, was killed along with other officials in an Israeli air strike on Thursday.

In a statement, the Houthi-run Yemeni presidency said the ministers were targeted during a routine government workshop assessing their performance. 

Some ministers were killed or wounded, though their identities were not disclosed.

Despite the attack, the presidency insisted that the government would continue to function without disruption. 

"We remain steadfast in supporting Gaza," the statement added.

The announcement follows a series of Israeli air strikes on Sanaa, which coincided with a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. 

On Friday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that the strikes targeted strategic Houthi sites.

Initial Israeli reports claimed senior Houthi officials, including military figures, were present at the targeted site. 

However, Houthi officials have denied the presence of military leaders at the meeting.

Rahawi had served as prime minister of the Houthi-led government in Sanaa since August 2024.

He is the most senior Houthi official killed by Israel.

The Houthis and Israel have exchanged attacks since the Yemeni movement began firing missiles and drones at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza following the Hamas-led 7 October attack.