Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi militant positions have significantly escalated tensions within Yemen, following attacks on key infrastructure including Sana’a International Airport. These strikes, launched on December 19, 2024, have reportedly resulted in at least three fatalities and left several individuals injured, according to local media sources.
The strikes were part of Israel's military operations aimed at countering the threats posed by the Houthi movement, which, backed by Iran, has launched over 200 missiles and numerous drone strikes against Israel since early October. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "The Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel and its citizens," asserting Israel's right to retaliate against these aggressions.
According to reports, the Israeli military targeted several installations, including the Sana’a airport, which was struck just minutes before World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his team were scheduled to depart. Ghebreyesus described the situation, stating, "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," underscoring the significant risk to humanitarian operations in the country.
The airstrikes not only hit the airport but also targeted power stations and port facilities along Yemen's western coastline, intended for military usage by the Houthis. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) noted, "These military targets were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to smuggle Iranian weapons..." highlighting concerns over regional security and the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
Stéphanie Tremblay, spokesperson for the United Nations, condemned the airstrikes, emphasizing the risks they pose to humanitarian operations. Tremblay noted, "Today’s airstrikes follow around a year of escalatory actions by the Houthis..." She urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians. The escalation has also undermined mediation efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict, with the UN calling for restraint from both sides.
The World Health Organization was actively engaged in discussions related to Yemen's humanitarian crisis and the release of detained UN personnel at the time of the strikes, indicating the urgency and complexity of the situation on the ground. Reports suggest significant damage at the airport, which is considered a lifeline for humanitarian relief efforts amid the country’s protracted conflict.
These hostilities have drawn international concern. The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the situation at Israel's request, reflecting the broader geopolitical stakes. The conflict has ramifications not just for Yemen but also for the stability of the entire region, particularly as the Houthis have vowed to target any ship heading to Israel from the Red Sea.
Prior to this incident, the Houthis had increased their military operations, launching missiles at Israeli cities, purportedly retaliatory actions linked to the Israeli campaign against Hamas, which has led to significant casualties. The collateral damage from these airstrikes and the dangers faced by civilians caught in the crossfire underline the dire humanitarian reality facing millions of Yemenis.
Overall, the catalyst for these airstrikes—ongoing Houthi missile attacks—signals a continuing conflict characterized by its complexity and deterioration. The international community remains deeply concerned about the likelihood of more escalatory measures being taken, placing even more civilians at risk.
Analysts predict this trend will continue, fueled by hostile exchanges between the Houthis and Israeli forces. Each side's actions seem likely to provoke more retaliatory strikes, complicate diplomatic efforts, and worsen the humanitarian crisis presently afflicting Yemen.
