Houthi Attacks on Israel Continue Amid Growing Tensions
On December 26, 2024, Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport, narrowly missing the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was about to board a flight. The attack also injured a crew member of a UN plane. In a post on social media, Dr. Tedros described the experience, noting that the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway were all damaged, but he and his colleagues were unharmed.
The airstrikes, which also hit Hodeidah, another key city, left six people dead and at least 40 others injured, according to Houthi-controlled media. The Israeli military stated that the attacks targeted facilities used by the Houthi forces for smuggling Iranian weapons and hosting senior Iranian officials.
These strikes are part of the broader conflict, with the Houthis having previously launched multiple drone and missile attacks on Israel, framed as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The escalation has raised significant concerns regarding Yemen’s already fragile humanitarian situation, which includes widespread poverty, disease outbreaks, and ongoing conflict.
The attack on the airport also led to the evacuation of all UN staff in Yemen, highlighting the high stakes for international organizations operating in the region. As the conflict continues, the risks to both regional stability and humanitarian operations grow, with fears of further escalation.
