JERUSALEM — On Thursday, intensified Israeli airstrikes struck targets in Yemen, specifically aiming at the Houthi-controlled capital and various ports. This incident coincided with remarks from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) director-general, who was present in Sanaa. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared on social media that a crew member was injured due to the nearby explosions as he was about to board a flight.
He detailed the extent of the damage, noting that the air traffic control tower, the departure lounge, and the runway were hit and expressed relief that he and his U.N. colleagues were secure. However, he indicated that they would be unable to leave until repairs were completed at the airport. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay confirmed that the injured crew member was part of the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service and was receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Reports later emerged that the airstrike resulted in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. Tremblay mentioned that the U.N. personnel managed to vacate the airport and were “safe and sound” in Sanaa, while damage assessments were scheduled for the following morning to determine when the WHO chief and the team could exit Yemen.
Condemnation of the escalating conflict between Yemen and Israel came from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who described the recent attacks as “particularly alarming.” Meanwhile, Israel’s military stated it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief or his delegation were present in Yemen during the attacks.
These Israeli strikes followed a series of Houthi missile launches that triggered alarm in Israel. Just prior to the airstrikes, another missile fired by the Houthis had prompted air raid sirens across central Israel, awakening many residents and forcing them into shelters, although the Israeli army successfully intercepted the missile before any damage could occur.
The Israeli military reported that the targets included infrastructure utilized by the Iran-aligned Houthis at the Sanaa international airport and several ports, alleging these locations were involved in smuggling Iranian arms and facilitating the entry of senior Iranian officials. Additionally, they emphasized their capability to conduct long-range operations with precision.
This offensive, which occurred over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came on the heels of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks warning that the Houthis would face consequences similar to those experienced by other Iranian proxies. Local reports from the Houthi-affiliated channel al-Masirah indicated multiple fatalities and displayed footage of destruction at the site, while Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the airstrikes. Notably, U.S. military forces have also conducted operations against the Houthis recently.
The United Nations has pointed out that the ports under attack are crucial entry points for humanitarian aid to Yemen, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2014 and is regarded as the poorest Arab nation. Over the weekend, a Houthi missile attack injured 16 individuals at a playground in Tel Aviv. Previous Israeli airstrikes targeted Sanaa and Hodeida, resulting in casualties, which Israel claimed were retaliatory actions in response to Houthi provocations.
As the military actions continued, the U.N. Security Council was scheduled for an emergency meeting to address an Israeli request for condemnation of Houthi attacks and Iranian support of their operations.
In another development, five Palestinian journalists were killed as a result of an Israeli airstrike outside a hospital in Gaza, according to reports from the territory’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed that the individuals were militants masquerading as journalists.
The strike targeted a vehicle near Al-Awda Hospital situated within the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp. The journalists were reportedly affiliated with Al-Quds Today, a media outlet linked to the Islamic Jihad group, which has ties to Hamas and participated in a significant attack in October 2023 that escalated the current conflict.
The military asserted that intelligence gathered confirmed the journalists’ affiliations with Islamic Jihad, which is known for its military and political operations alongside other Palestinian groups. Mourning ceremonies took place following the airstrike, with families attending funerals while officials emphasized the number of Palestinian journalists killed during the ongoing war, which the Committee to Protect Journalists estimated at over 130.
In a separate report, another Israeli soldier was announced as killed during combat in Gaza, bringing the total military casualties to 389 since the commencement of ground operations. The war began following a brazen Hamas assault that claimed around 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, while around 250 individuals were taken hostage. The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating casualties, with reports of over 45,000 Palestinian deaths attributed to Israeli military actions.
As of now, around 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced due to the violence, leading many to seek refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary camps amid harsh winter conditions. The situation continues to evolve, with on-the-ground circumstances yielding heart-wrenching footage of the destruction.
Additionally, there was mourning for eight Palestinians known to have fallen victim to Israeli military operations around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank, emphasizing the ongoing and complex nature of this conflict. The Israeli military described its actions as a response to militant assaults but acknowledged civilian casualties throughout the raid.
Israel targets Houthi insurgents in Yemen’s capital as WHO leader reveals he was nearby
