WHO chief escapes deadly Israeli air strikes at Yemen airport
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Sanaa International Airport when it was bombed by Israeli forces.
- Initial reports indicate that at least three individuals were killed in the attacks, while others were injured.
- The event underscores the escalating violence and geopolitical tensions in the region.
On December 26, 2024, Israel launched a series of air strikes targeting the Houthi movement in Yemen, significantly impacting Sanaa International Airport. The airstrikes coincided with a visit from the World Health Organization's Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was at the airport preparing to board a flight. Dr. Ghebreyesus and his team were unharmed, although a crew member was injured in the attack, which resulted in damage to the airport's infrastructure. Initial reports state that the air strikes resulted in at least two deaths at the airport and several injuries, highlighting the potential human cost of the ongoing conflict in the region. Israel has framed its military actions as necessary responses to ongoing threats posed by the Houthi rebels, who have been launching missile attacks against Israel in recent times. The Israeli military justified the strikes by stating that they aimed at Houthi military installations used for smuggling Iranian weapons, as well as critical infrastructure. This escalation came after a series of hostilities involving the Houthis targeting Israeli territory and disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea, emphasizing the long-standing conflict and its implications on regional security. The strikes drew condemnation from various international organizations, including the United Nations, which called for the protection of humanitarian personnel. Dr. Ghebreyesus was in Yemen to assess health and humanitarian conditions and to negotiate the release of detained UN staff members, making the attack a significant setback in his mission. As conflicts between Iran-backed forces and Israel escalate, regional and global repercussions are expected, including potential impacts on humanitarian aid efforts. The air strikes at Sanaa airport illustrate the ongoing cycle of violence stemming from the Houthi insurgency and Iran's influence in Yemen, drawing Israel into the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with ongoing air and military operations complicating efforts to deliver aid and support to those in need.