Israeli Air Strikes Hit Houthi Targets in Yemen
- Israeli air strikes targeted 'military targets' in Al Hudaydah, a Houthi stronghold in Yemen.
- Dramatic video footage shows a fearsome blaze from the strikes in western Yemen.
- The retaliation is in response to constant rebel attacks in the Red Sea.
On Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced a military strike in Al Hudaydah, Yemen, a known stronghold of the Iranian-backed Houthi group. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a significant blow to the Houthis, urging the international community to impose sanctions on Iran for its alleged financial support of the group. Katz emphasized Israel's commitment to retaliate against any attacks directed at it. In response, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli strikes as "blatant aggression," claiming they targeted critical infrastructure, including fuel storage and a power station. He asserted that such actions would only strengthen Yemeni resolve to support Gaza. Health officials in Yemen reported casualties from the strikes but did not provide specific details on the number of victims. The Israeli strikes followed a drone attack on Tel Aviv attributed to the Houthis, who have been actively targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming their actions are a response to Israel's military operations in Gaza. This narrative has been dismissed by the UK and its allies, who view the Houthis' claims as unfounded. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 13 individuals in refugee camps, as ceasefire negotiations in Cairo showed signs of progress. The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas's incursion into Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 38,900 fatalities, according to Palestinian health officials. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that a ceasefire agreement is nearing completion, though challenges remain in finalizing the deal.