In a bold statement, Houthi political leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti declared that the group would not stop targeting Israel, pledging to escalate military actions in response to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Despite Israel’s repeated airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Yemen, Bukhaiti emphasized that the Houthis are resolute in their support for Palestinians. He stressed that their military operations would intensify until what he called “genocide in Gaza” ceases, positioning the group firmly against Israeli and Western influence in the region.
Israeli Strikes Intensify in Yemen
Israel’s airstrikes on Yemen have intensified following Houthi missile attacks on Israeli territory, with Israeli officials claiming responsibility for targeting Houthi military infrastructure. On Thursday, Israeli warplanes hit Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport, power stations, and Red Sea ports, reportedly causing fatalities. The Israeli government’s aggressive stance reflects its broader strategy of dismantling the influence of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, a part of what it calls Iran’s “axis of evil.”
The Risk of Further Escalation in the Middle East
As both sides continue to escalate hostilities, the United Nations has expressed grave concern about the mounting risks to civilians and humanitarian operations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the potential dangers posed by these military actions, especially in light of Yemen’s already dire humanitarian crisis. The UN has repeatedly called for all parties involved to exercise restraint and halt military actions to avoid further destabilization of the region.
Houthi Allegations and the Humanitarian Impact
The Houthis have claimed that Israeli strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, resulting in several deaths and significant damage. Authorities in the Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen reported casualties at Sanaa airport and other facilities, including the destruction of vital transportation and communication infrastructure. These attacks have compounded Yemen’s existing hardships, particularly given that the country has been embroiled in a devastating civil war for nearly a decade.
WHO’s Role in the Crisis
Amid the airstrikes, the World Health Organization (WHO) experienced a close call when a missile strike injured a crew member of a UN plane at Sanaa airport. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at the airport assessing the humanitarian situation when the attack occurred. The strike caused serious injuries to the crew member, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones.
Global Reactions and Regional Implications
As the Houthis vow to escalate their operations, international powers such as the US and UK have joined Israel in taking military action against the group. The escalating violence has already caused significant civilian casualties, drawing condemnation from various international bodies. The situation remains tense, with the future of the region hanging in the balance as the conflict between Israel, the Houthis, and other regional powers continues to unfold.
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