Missiles and airstrikes escalate conflict across the Middle East.
The Houthi movement in Yemen has vowed to escalate attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, undeterred by intensified Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure. The conflict has led to civilian casualties, damage to vital facilities, and growing international concerns over the humanitarian impact.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks
Overnight, the Houthis launched another ballistic missile at Israel, which was intercepted by Israeli defenses. Houthi political official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti declared continued military action against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.
“We will not stop until the genocide crimes and siege on Gaza end,” Bukhaiti stated, adding that the Houthis are prepared to operate independently without support from their ally, Iran.
The Houthis have targeted Israel and international shipping since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. The group claims its actions are part of a broader effort to support Gaza and confront Israeli military operations.
Israeli Airstrikes and Repercussions
In retaliation, Israeli warplanes struck Sanaa International Airport and Red Sea ports, claiming to target Houthi military infrastructure used for smuggling Iranian weapons. However, Houthi officials insist the strikes hit civilian areas, resulting in at least four deaths and significant damage to essential infrastructure.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concerns about the strikes, warning they posed “grave risks to humanitarian operations” in Yemen, a country already devastated by years of conflict and widespread famine.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
The strikes have further exacerbated Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, which has been described as one of the world’s worst. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped injury during the airport attack and called for an immediate cessation of violence affecting civilians and humanitarian workers.
UN agencies report that 80% of Yemen’s population requires humanitarian aid, with escalating violence jeopardizing ongoing relief operations.
Regional and Global Implications
The ongoing conflict risks drawing other nations into the fray, with the U.S. and U.K. previously conducting strikes in Yemen in response to attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the military campaign against the Houthis is “just getting started,” while Defense Minister Israel Katz pledged to target Houthi leaders directly.
Call for Restraint
The UN continues to call for all parties to exercise restraint and cease military actions to prevent further escalation in the region. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, concerned about the broader implications of this expanding conflict.
