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       Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen announced on Sunday evening that they will impose comprehensive air blockade on Israel, in what they said was a response to the Israeli government's decision to expand its war on Hamas in Gaza.

       In a statement broadcast by its media outlets, Houthi spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree called on international airlines to take the warning seriously to "preserve the safety of their travellers", saying that the decision came into effect immediately.

       Sareei said, "We will impose the siege by repeatedly targeting Israeli airports, especially (Ben Gurion) International Airport near Tel Aviv."

       The announcement followed the group's missile launch at Israel’s main international airport, which struck near an access road, causing panic among passengers.

       The attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport came hours before Israeli cabinet ministers were set to vote on whether to intensify military operations in Gaza. The army was calling up tens of thousands of reserves, Israel’s Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said.

       Israel’s army said it was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began. The military said initial findings indicated the likely cause was a technical issue with the interceptor.

       Israel’s paramedic service, Magen David Adom, said four people suffered minor injuries.

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       Multiple international airlines cancelled or postponed flights. The war with Hamas in Gaza and the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon led to a wave of airlines suspending flights to Israel. Many had resumed in recent months.

       Israel has vowed to respond to the Houthi attack in "sevenfold".

       Houthi rebels have fired at Israel since its war against Hamas began on 7 October 2023. The missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel’s missile defence systems, causing damage.

       Israel has struck back against the rebels in Yemen.

       Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the US was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis.

       “It’s not bang, bang, and we’re done, but there will be bangs,” he said. In a later statement, he added Israel would respond to the Houthis “and, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.”

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       Experts in marine salvage on Sunday began operations to retrieve the 56-metre British-flagged superyacht Bayesian from the seabed off the coast of Sicily, where it sank last summer.

       UK tech magnate Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and five others were killed in the tragedy on 19 August 2024.

       The Italian coast guard confirmed its officers are supervising operations and patrolling the security perimeter created to ensure the safety of personnel working on the recovery.

       “With the use of underwater operators and remote-controlled robots, ROVS (remotely operated vehicles), all operations will be carried out for about a week in preparation for the lifting of the vessel,” Italian Coast Guard Captain Nicola Silvestri said on Sunday.

       ‘Hebo Lift 10,’ one of the most powerful maritime cranes in Europe, docked on Saturday in the Sicilian port of Termini Imerese from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in preparation for the operation.

       With the assistance of another dozen marine and logistical specialists operating from shore, around 70 marine experts from Europe have been mobilised to Sicily for the operation.

       According to Silvestri, the actual lifting that will bring the ship to the surface will occur in a second phase of operations.

       The multi-purpose floating work barge Hebo Lift 2 monitors the stretch of sea off Porticello, near Palermo, Sicily, Italy, Sunday, May 4, 2025, where the British superyacht BaCopyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

       For this to be effectively carried out, the yacht's 75-metre aluminium mast, the second tallest in the world, will be cut to allow the hull, which lies 49 metres below the surface, to be brought back to the surface more easily.

       The tragic sinking of the Bayesian

       The Bayesian, a 473000 kg maxi yacht, sank after only sixteen minutes and shortly before dawn on 19 August last year.

       The superyacht was anchored 300 metres from the small fishing port of Porticello, some 15 kilometres east of Palermo, before tragedy struck.

       Of the 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the Bayesian, only seven remained on the yacht as it began to take on water.

       Some 15 people managed to escape into a life raft with the help of nearby vessels. The remaining individuals failed to make it out of the doomed superyacht.

       In addition to UK tech magnate Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who died in the incident, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, attorney Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and the ship's cook, Recaldo Thomas, all died in the shipwreck.

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       After long and extensive search operations that lasted until 23 August, the bodies of six missing people were recovered. One body had earlier been recovered from the first emergency rescue operation following the yacht's sinking.

       Investigations by Italian prosecutors into the cause of the sinking, including potential charges against the captain and two crew members for possible responsibility, are ongoing.

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       Tajikistan braces for a powerful finish to a thrilling event as Judo’s heavyweights take to the tatami.

       At -90kg, Eljan HAJIYEV faced Vugar TALIBOV. The Azrei compatriots fought hard for the top spot on the podium, HAJIYEV ultimately scoring ippon to claim his first Grand Slam gold.

       Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Tajikistan, His Excellency Mr Alimirzamin ASKEROV awarded the medals.

       At -78kg, Emma REID faced Yuxiao PENG. The British athlete reacted to Peng’s attack with lightning speed and scored a beautiful ippon, crowning her with the Dushanbe gold medal.

       IJF Refereeing Supervisor Ms Tina TRSTENJAK awarded the medals.

       I feel like they just love judo so they obviously support Tajikistan players but they're just such a good crowd I always love fighting here. Emma REID (GBR)

       At -100kg, Dzhafar KOSTOEV faced Dzhakhongir MADZHIDOV. KOSTOEV attacked with an unusual ura-nage, scoring ippon to earn his second Grand Slam gold medal this year! A confident performance from the rising star.

       IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen BAGDASAROV awarded the medals.

       At +78kg, Chundi JIA faced Ye LIANG. The Chinese teammates fought hard, but it was JIA who came out on top after holding LIANG down for 20 seconds. Her first Grand Slam ending in a gold!

       Tajikistan Judo Federation Vice President Mr Ergash MAKHMADBEKOV awarded the medals.

       At +100kg, Temur RAKHIMOV faced Dzhamal GAMZATKHANOV. Taking the contest into a dramatic golden score, RAKHIMOV almost immediately countered his opponent for a big ippon. The crowd roared with delight as the Tajik heavyweight claimed gold on home turf.

       Tajikistan Judo Federation President Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR awarded the medals.

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       Judo is the number one sport in Tajikistan and I was able to win this gold medal because of the President, the President of the Judo Federation and all of the support that the public has given me. Temur RAKHIMOV (TJK)

       There were roars from the home crowd as Tajik stars produced breathtaking ippons — the atmosphere here is simply incredible.

       Three days of elite Judo come to an end in Tajikistan.