Israel’s military recently conducted a series of airstrikes in Yemen, targeting what it claims are Houthi rebel positions. On Friday, officials reported that fighter jets focused their assaults on sites located on Yemen’s western coast and inland regions, following the Houthis’ drone attacks aimed at Israel a day before. Earlier in the week, the U.S. military had also targeted areas in Yemen.
The Houthis confirmed the airstrikes, which coincided with a rally in Sanaa where locals were expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This escalation comes amid ongoing tensions, with Israel and Hamas seemingly inching toward a potential ceasefire agreement and discussions regarding the release of hostages.
The Gaza Health Ministry provided alarming statistics, reporting over 46,000 Palestinian fatalities and more than 109,000 injuries resulting from the ongoing conflict, without showing signs of abating. The agency indicated that women and children made up a major portion of the casualties, although it did not specify how many victims were militants versus civilians. In contrast, the Israeli military asserts that it has killed over 17,000 militants, attributing civilian fatalities to Hamas’s strategy of operating within populated areas. As Israel’s military operations continue, vast numbers of Palestinians have been displaced and forced into makeshift tent camps, struggling with limited resources.
The violent confrontation began when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of around 250 people. Fears are rising that one-third of the hostages still located in Gaza might already be dead.
In a related update, the Israeli military released findings from an investigation into the deaths of two residents from Kibbutz Nahal Oz amid the violence of October 7. The inquiry indicated a high probability that one that one individual was unintentionally killed by Israeli fire during the initial chaos, while another may have died due to military actions following their capture by militants. The investigation is ongoing, with no absolute conclusions drawn regarding the fatalities.
In diplomatic news, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides made a noteworthy visit to Lebanon, marking him as the first foreign leader to meet with newly-elected President Joseph Aoun. The visit emphasizes the longstanding relationship between Cyprus and Lebanon, with Cyprus offering military assistance over the years.
In other developments, a tragic incident occurred outside Damascus as three women lost their lives, and five children were injured in a stampede at the Umayyad Mosque during a crowded food distribution event following prayers.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Minister has suggested that a temporary suspension of EU sanctions on Syria might foster conditions for transitioning away from President Bashar Assad’s leadership. Minister Antonio Tajani expressed Italy’s commitment to aiding Syria in its recovery from prolonged civil conflict. Concurrently, Turkey’s Foreign Minister asserted that Turkey has no hidden agenda in Syria, calling for a fresh cooperative approach while addressing terrorist threats in the region.
In a solemn announcement, Israel’s military confirmed the identity of a body recovered from Gaza as Hamzah AlZayadni, a hostage believed to have been killed along with his father during the earlier conflict. Both were kidnapped on October 7, raising concerns as negotiations for a ceasefire continue. The situation surrounding hostages remains critical, with indications that a significant portion may not have survived.
Additionally, a significant environmental development unfolded when an oil tanker that posed a potential ecological disaster in the Red Sea was salvaged after weeks of damage. The Sounion had been rendering a million barrels of crude oil vulnerable to spillage after being targeted by the Iranian-backed Houthis. It was ultimately towed away, and all remaining oil was safely offloaded. Through their actions, the Houthis have targeted numerous vessels since the conflict in Gaza began, asserting their motives revolve around pressures related to the ongoing war.
