Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen's main airport, causing chaos and destruction as a civilian Airbus 320 was landing with hundreds of passengers on board. The U.N. delegation present at the airport was also caught in the crossfire, with the control tower being destroyed during the attack.
The airstrikes, which took place during daylight hours, came as a shock to those present, as there had been no prior indication of any potential attacks. The U.N. team, including the head of the World Health Organization, narrowly escaped harm as the strikes landed dangerously close to the VIP lounge where they were located.
Tragically, at least three people lost their lives in the attack, and dozens more were injured, including a crew member from the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. The injured crew member suffered a serious leg injury and required immediate medical attention.
Following the airstrikes, the U.N. delegation was moved to safety, and the injured crew member was taken to a hospital in Sanaa for emergency surgery. Despite the chaos, the U.N. team managed to depart for Jordan the following day, albeit without an operating control tower at the airport.
The Israeli airstrikes on Yemen come amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Israeli interests in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza. The conflict has had devastating consequences for Yemen, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.
Yemen, the Arab world's poorest nation, has been embroiled in a 10-year civil war between the Houthi rebels and government forces. The country is heavily reliant on imports through the port of Hodeida for essential supplies, including food and medical aid.
Recent Israeli airstrikes on Hodeida have further strained the situation, with critical infrastructure being damaged and the harbor's capacity significantly reduced. The U.N. has expressed grave concerns about the impact of these attacks on the already vulnerable population in Yemen.
Despite the challenges, the U.N. remains committed to addressing the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Efforts are underway to secure the release of detainees held by the Houthi rebels and to provide essential assistance to those in need.
