Israeli airstrikes struck Yemen's Sanaa International Airport on Thursday as a civilian Airbus 320 was landing, raising serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers and civilians using the airport. The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tension between Israel and Houthi rebels, who have been increasingly aggressive following conflict escalations after the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
During the airstrikes, which were reported at approximately 4:45 p.m., several high-ranking officials were at the airport, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Julien Harneis, the UN’s top humanitarian official. Harneis, who was present during the attack, described the experience as terrifying, stating, "What was most frightening about the air strike wasn't the effect on us, it was... as [a civilian airliner]... was about to land." The airstrikes destroyed the airport's control tower and impacted both the incoming flight and the operations of the UN delegation preparing to leave the country. Fortunately, the plane landed safely, allowing its passengers to disembark, but Harneis emphasized how close the strike was to the aircraft.
The strikes killed at least three people and injured dozens, including one crew member from the UN Humanitarian Air Service who required serious medical attention after sustaining shrapnel wounds. Harneis recounted how, immediately after the strikes, UN security officials evacuated the delegation to armored vehicles where they waited for about 40 minutes to assess the situation and assist the injured. "There was zero indication of any potential airstrikes," he noted during the aftermath, emphasizing how unexpected daytime bombings are.
The situation drew even more attention as Tedros later recounted, "I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close. A slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit." He recalled how there was no shelter available and they were left exposed, waiting for any potential follow-up attacks. Mentioning the conditions, he added, "I have never... as far as I can recall, seen the world being in such a very dangerous state," calling for international leaders to come together to resolve global conflicts.
Israel defended its actions by stating it aimed to target military infrastructure tied to the Houthi militants and Iran. They asserted the strikes were necessary due to the Houthis' involvement in offense operations against Israeli interests, which included recent missile strikes on its territory. The Israeli military claimed ignorance of the UN delegation's presence at the airport when the strikes were executed. Nevertheless, Harneis pushed back against the notion of the airport having any military purpose. He stressed, "Sanaa airport is absolutely civilian and used for transporting humanitarian aid and for one civilian flight to Amman," clarifying the strategic importance of the airport for aid organizations and local civilians.
This incident shines a spotlight on Yemen's dire humanitarian crisis—often referred to as the largest humanitarian crisis worldwide—resulting from its prolonged civil war, which has fundamentally undermined public institutions, healthcare, and basic services. An estimated 24.1 million people are currently in need of assistance, with UN officials recently noting this number may rise even higher next year due to worsening conditions.
Reports have confirmed significant damage to Yemen's key port of Hodeida, which is fundamental for food imports affecting over 80% of the nation's population. The UN had previously condemned the airstrikes, calling for all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian laws and avoid targeting civilian facilities.
Wednesday's attacks are not isolated, with the Houthis perpetuating drone and missile attacks against Israel—a response aligned with their support for the Palestinian cause amid rising tensions following conflicts involving Israel and Hamas.
UN officials expressed their deep concerns about the potential ramifications if Sanaa airport remains disabled, with Harneis emphasizing, "If the airport is disabled, it will paralyze humanitarian operations." The humanitarian needs are vast, with many Yemenis relying on the international flights for urgent medical treatment.
After the airstrikes, the UN team continued their mission, emphasizing their commitment to addressing Yemen’s humanitarian situations. Harneis and Tedros eventually managed to leave Yemen, departing on a flight to Jordan on Friday afternoon. While the injured crew member was stabilized, the incident left lasting impacts on all who were present, reinforcing the urgent need for stable humanitarian access and the protection of civilian infrastructures to prevent such near-miss tragedies from happening again.
