Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes on the Yemeni capital Sanaa and the city of Hodeidah, resulting in at least six fatalities and dozens of injuries, as reported by the Houthi militant group. The strikes targeted Sanaa International Airport and Hodeidah, with casualties reported in both locations.
The assault on Sanaa's airport occurred as a high-level UN delegation, led by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was preparing to depart. The delegation was forced to evacuate to Jordan after the airport came under bombardment, with one crew member sustaining injuries.
The Houthis, in response to the strikes, vowed retaliation. Israel's military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards its territory, averting any injuries. The strikes in Yemen resulted in significant damage to airport infrastructure and other facilities.
The United Nations delegation had been in Yemen to discuss humanitarian issues and the release of detained personnel. The suspension of the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) operations at Sanaa Airport due to the attacks is expected to impact the humanitarian response in the region.
Further strikes in Hodeidah led to additional casualties, with the Houthis condemning the attacks as a brutal aggression. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Houthi military infrastructure in various locations, including ports and power stations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to continue strikes until the mission is complete, referring to the ongoing conflict with Iran-backed groups in the region. The UN delegation expressed condolences for the lives lost in the attacks and emphasized the need to halt violence against civilians and humanitarian workers.
The conflict between Israel and the Houthis has escalated in recent weeks, with incidents of cross-border attacks and retaliatory measures. The international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, has been involved in efforts to address the situation and mitigate further hostilities.
