Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen's international airport and multiple sites on Thursday, leading to significant damage and casualties just as the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was preparing to leave the war-torn country. The strikes reportedly resulted in at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries, including UN personnel.
According to Tedros, "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged." He expressed relief as he and his UN colleagues were safe, but acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing, "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave." The UN said the injured crew member was from the UN Humanitarian Air Service and required medical treatment.
UN official Julien Harneis described the chaos during the strikes, noting the destruction of the airport’s control tower caused grave concerns for humanitarian operations, as the airport is pivotal for aid deliveries. He stated, "Fortunately, the plane was able to land safely and the passengers were able to disembark, but it could have been far, far worse." Harneis witnessed firsthand the strikes and reported shaking as nearby projectiles caused substantial concern.
The Israeli military conducted the airstrikes as retaliation against Houthi missile launches, which had intensified over the last week, including the targeting of Israel's commercial hub, Tel Aviv, with missiles from Yemen. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil," underlining Israel's position against the Houthi alignment with Iranian interests.
The Houthi rebels have been actively engaging against Israeli territory since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, claiming solidarity with Palestinian struggles. Following the Israeli airstrikes, Houthi forces retaliated with missile launches directed at Israel. While Israeli defenses intercepted the missiles, officials are concerned about the escalated military presence and aggressiveness from both sides.
The international ramifications of these airstrikes were underscored by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who characterized the attacks as "especially alarming" and highlighted the potential threats to humanitarian operations within Yemen, where approximately 80 percent of the population relies on aid due to the devastating civil war.
Guterres noted the strikes on transportation infrastructure posed great risks. The UN is currently grappling with the detention of several of its staff by Houthi authorities, complicate humanitarian efforts at this pivotal time. Harneis revealed, "Many colleagues were very anxious about even coming to the office or going out on field missions. It’s heavy for everyone,” elucidate the tense climate for humanitarian workers on the ground.
The destruction of the airport, which serves as a key exit point for many Yemenis requiring medical assistance abroad, could lead to catastrophic setbacks for those needing urgent healthcare. Aid experts have raised alarms, projecting 19 million people will require humanitarian assistance as the situation continues to deteriorate due to the continued airstrikes and Houthi retaliatory actions. Damage to the port of Hodeida is also causing concerns, as it is responsible for 80 percent of the country’s food and medical supplies.
Sanaa has witnessed escalated conflict following previous Houthi missile attacks directed at Israel, which has led to subsequent military actions by Israeli forces, marking this as the second major wave of airstrikes since December 19. Each airstrike amplifies fears of the humanitarian crisis worsening as the country struggles under years of civil war, making the current conflict even more perilous.
The UN and aid organizations continue to advocate for de-escalation and diplomatic resolutions, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to remain open for aid delivery. Time will tell if diplomatic efforts can rectify the spiraling violence, but the stakes are incredibly high for millions of desperate Yemenis.
