Israel Strikes Yemen as Houthis Fire Missiles at Ben Gurion Airport
Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Israel launched airstrikes in Yemen, targeting suspected Houthi rebel facilities. This follows a series of Houthi attacks, with the latest involving missiles launched toward Ben Gurion Airport and drones targeting Tel Aviv and a vessel in the Arabian Sea.
Escalating Conflict: Israel’s Response and Houthi Attacks
The Israeli strikes, which reportedly killed at least six people in Yemen, targeted the Sanaa International Airport, military installations, power stations, and port facilities. The Israeli military stated the operations aimed to disrupt Houthi military infrastructure and prevent the smuggling of Iranian weapons into the region.
Hours earlier, the Iran-backed Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport and the drone strikes on Tel Aviv and the ship. The occurrences mark a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Houthis, which have intensified since a ceasefire took effect between Israel and another Iranian-backed group, Hezbollah, in Lebanon.
UN Chief Narrowly Escapes Israeli Strikes
The Israeli strikes occurred as UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s special envoy Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is also the Director-General of the World Health Organization, was preparing to leave Sanaa. He was *minutes* away from boarding his flight when the airport came under attack.
Mr Tedros reported that the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway were heavily damaged, highlighting the dangers posed to humanitarian operations in a country already ravaged by years of civil war. He emphasized the importance of upholding international peace and security.
Our mission to negotiate the release of @UN staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in #Yemen concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees’ immediate release.
As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport… pic.twitter.com/riZayWHkvf
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 26, 2024
Global Condemnation and Concerns for Yemen
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalating violence, expressing particular concern over the strikes on Sanaa Airport. He emphasized the critical need for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and humanitarian infrastructure.
The attacks on Yemen coincide with a dire humanitarian crisis. Millions are dependent on aid, and the pre-existing challenges of poverty, hunger, and disease have been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.