Nine people lost their lives in recent Israeli airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the al-Jawf governorate. Yemen’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 118 others were injured, with fears that these numbers could rise as rescue operations continue.
The strikes hit civilian areas, including homes in Sanaa’s al-Tahrir neighborhood and a medical facility on 60th Street. First responders are working tirelessly to extinguish fires and rescue those trapped under the rubble.
Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the raids targeted both a medical facility and a government compound in al-Hazm. The extent of the destruction is still being assessed. The Yemen Oil and Gas Corporation also mentioned that Israeli planes struck a medical station in Sanaa.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree noted that their forces used surface-to-air missiles to counter the airstrikes. He claimed that some Israeli planes were driven away before they could attack fully, stating that a significant part of the operation was thwarted.
Israel’s military confirmed the attacks were aimed at Houthi military targets, which they described as terrorist positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested these strikes were a response to a recent Houthi drone attack on Ramon Airport in Israel.
This conflict isn’t new. Historically, Yemen has faced consistent violence, with Israel conducting multiple airstrikes targeting Yemeni leaders. Just last month, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi.
Saree accused Israel of attempting to pressure the Houthis to withdraw support for Gaza. The group has vowed to continue operations against Israel until attacks on Gaza cease, where violence has escalated significantly over the past 23 months. Data shows that over 64,000 Palestinians have died due to the ongoing Israeli offensive that began in October 2023.
The Houthis also declared a maritime blockade on Israeli-linked ships and have carried out air attacks against Israel to show solidarity with Palestinians. They state they will cease attacks only when a ceasefire in Gaza is established.
To grasp the gravity of the current situation, consider that the conflict has not only affected Yemen but has also seen Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the occupied West Bank, leading to widespread displacement and suffering among civilians.
In summary, as tensions rise in the region, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens, further complicating the already fraught landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics. For ongoing updates and detailed reports on this situation, you can refer to sources like The New York Times and Al Jazeera.
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News, Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel, Middle East, Palestine, Yemen
