Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen Escalate Regional Tensions
The conflict in the Middle East intensified on Thursday, December 26, 2024, as Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Yemen, including the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and key ports. These attacks follow a series of Houthi missile launches into Israel, exacerbating an already volatile situation. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped injury during one of the strikes.
WHO Chief Caught in Crossfire
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Sanaa International Airport preparing to board a flight when the airstrikes hit. According to a statement he shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway sustained significant damage. A member of the WHO crew was injured in the attack and is now receiving treatment at a local hospital.
“We are safe, but the airport will need repairs before we can leave,” Dr. Tedros said. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay confirmed that the injured individual was part of the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
The strikes reportedly killed at least three people and injured dozens. The U.N. team, including Dr. Tedros, has been relocated to a safe area in Sanaa while damage assessments are conducted. The extent of the damage will determine when the team can depart Yemen.
U.N. Condemns Escalation
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the intensifying hostilities between Yemen and Israel. “The escalation is deeply concerning,” he stated, urging both sides to exercise restraint. An emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council is scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024, to address the situation.
Israel Justifies Strikes
In a statement, the Israeli military claimed responsibility for the strikes, citing intelligence that the targeted locations were being used to smuggle Iranian weapons and facilitate the entry of senior Iranian officials. Ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif, and Ras Qantib were also struck, alongside power stations allegedly linked to Houthi operations.
“Our military capabilities allow us to strike far from Israel’s borders with precision and power,” the Israeli Defense Forces said, emphasizing their resolve to counter threats from Iran-backed groups.
Houthi Retaliation and Regional Impact
The Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, have intensified their attacks on Israel, including missile and drone launches. Over the weekend, a Houthi missile struck a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people. The Houthis claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah satellite channel reported multiple casualties and significant damage following the Israeli strikes. Footage showed shattered infrastructure and bloodstained scenes. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of escalating regional instability.
Humanitarian Concerns in Yemen
Yemen’s ports, now heavily damaged, are vital entry points for humanitarian aid. The ongoing civil war, which began in 2014, has devastated the nation, leaving millions reliant on international assistance. The U.N. warns that disruptions to aid delivery could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, already the poorest Arab nation.
Media Under Fire
Separately, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed five Palestinian journalists outside Al-Awda Hospital. Israel’s military claimed the journalists were militants affiliated with the Islamic Jihad group. This incident adds to the mounting toll on journalists in the region. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, over 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the conflict began.
Media outlets like Al Jazeera have faced accusations from Israel of aiding militant groups. Al Jazeera denies these claims, accusing Israel of trying to silence critical reporting. Foreign journalists have been barred from entering Gaza, limiting independent coverage.
Casualties Mount in Gaza
The Israeli military’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. Israel asserts that many of the deceased were militants, though no comprehensive evidence has been provided. The offensive has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, forcing families into overcrowded and unsanitary camps.
Conclusion
The escalating conflict between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels reflects broader regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies. The international community faces the urgent task of addressing this multifaceted crisis to prevent further loss of life and humanitarian suffering. As the U.N. prepares for critical discussions, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a path toward de-escalation and peace.