Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Thursday, including the rebel-held capital of Sanaa and key ports. The strikes came as World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed he was just meters away from the bombardment while preparing to board a flight.
The WHO chief stated on social media, “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged.” He confirmed that U.N. colleagues were safe but noted that the airport damage would delay their departure. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later reported that a crew member from the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service was injured in the attack.
The Israeli military told reporters it was unaware of the presence of the WHO delegation or other U.N. representatives in Yemen during the strikes.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the strikes targeted infrastructure used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif, and Ras Qantib. Israeli officials stated the locations were being used to smuggle Iranian weapons and facilitate the arrival of senior Iranian officials. Power stations allegedly supporting these operations were also targeted.
The military noted its ability to “strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively.” The strikes occurred more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Houthis, saying, “The Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas, Hezbollah, and Assad’s regime have learned.” Israel claims its actions are part of a broader effort to counter Iran’s influence and prevent attacks from Tehran’s proxies.
Houthi-controlled media outlet al-Masirah reported multiple casualties from the strikes and showed footage of extensive structural damage, including shattered windows, collapsed ceilings, and bloodstained floors. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the airstrikes as an escalation of the conflict.
The U.N. highlighted the humanitarian consequences, emphasizing that the targeted ports are vital for the delivery of aid to Yemen, a nation suffering from years of civil war since 2014.
The airstrikes follow days of heightened hostilities. Over the weekend, a Houthi missile injured 16 people in Tel Aviv, while other missile and drone attacks on Israel were intercepted. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people in what was described as a response to prior Houthi attacks.
The Houthis have also increased attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, framing these actions as support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has expressed concern over the growing threats to the critical maritime corridor.
The U.N. Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday at Israel’s request. Israel is urging the international community to condemn Houthi attacks and Iran’s involvement in supplying weapons to the rebels.
