UN Condemns Escalation Between Israel and Yemen's Houthi Rebels, WHO Chief Targeted in Attack

 

The United Nations has condemned the rising tensions between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Israel, following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Thursday that targeted key locations in Yemen, including the international airport in Sana'a. The strikes, which led to the deaths of at least six people according to Houthi media, have drawn international concern, especially after the attack occurred just as the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was about to board a plane at the airport.

A statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the escalation, particularly the Israeli attacks on Sana’a airport, the Red Sea ports, and Yemen’s power stations. Guterres highlighted the growing threats to civilian lives, regional stability, and maritime security, calling the escalation “especially alarming.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was in Yemen to negotiate the release of UN staff detained by the Houthis and assess the country’s humanitarian situation, recounted his experience on social media. He revealed that the airport was hit while he and his team were preparing to board a plane. A crew member was injured, and at least two fatalities were reported. The attack caused significant damage to the airport’s facilities, including the air traffic control tower and the departure lounge, delaying their departure.

Despite the attack, Tedros confirmed that he and his WHO colleagues were safe, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The WHO head did not specify whether Israeli officials were aware of his presence at the time of the strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, stating that the military campaign against the Houthis was far from over. He emphasized Israel’s determination to dismantle what he described as "the terrorist arm of Iran’s evil axis." Netanyahu’s comments came amid ongoing tensions, with the Houthis having repeatedly launched missile and drone strikes toward Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In addition to the airport attack, Israel’s military targeted Houthi military infrastructure in the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib, as well as power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib. The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported that six people had died in the airstrikes and more than 40 were injured.

In response, the Houthis vowed to escalate the conflict, with Houthi officials stating that they were prepared to meet any Israeli actions with a swift counter-response. Despite the destruction, the Houthi transport minister assured that both Sana’a airport and Hodeidah port would resume normal operations on Friday.

The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, disrupting global shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea. Over a year of Houthi attacks has forced international shipping companies to take longer and costlier detours, fueling fears of inflation.

The situation is set to be discussed at a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for Monday, which will address the Houthi attacks on Israel. Meanwhile, Israel continues to grapple with escalating missile strikes from Yemen, including a recent missile that struck near Tel Aviv, injuring 14 people.