Yemen's Houthi rebels welcomed news of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza even as a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas was reported to be holding up Israeli approval of the long-awaited ceasefire agreement.

The leader of Yemen's Houthis said on Thursday that the Iran-aligned group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached.

A missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has targeted central Israel, sounding sirens and causing people to flee into bomb shelters. The Israeli military said several attempts were made to intercept a missile that was launched from Yemen and “the missile was likely intercepted”.