On Thursday, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, escalating tensions in the region. The strikes, which hit the rebel-controlled capital, Sanaa, as well as the strategic port city of Hodeida, were described by the Israeli military as a direct response to ongoing Houthi provocations, including missile launches that triggered air-raid sirens in Israel in recent days.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported targeting infrastructure used by the Houthis, including Sanaa International Airport and key ports at Hodeida, Al-Salif, and Ras Qantib. Power stations and other strategic facilities were also hit in what the IDF described as precision strikes designed to neutralise the rebels’ operational capabilities.
Netanyahu issues a stern warning
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the Houthis would face consequences for their actions, aligning them with other adversaries of Israel, including Hamas and Hezbollah. “The Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas, Hezbollah, Assad’s regime, and others have learned,” Netanyahu declared, signalling Israel’s intent to deter further aggression.
Houthi response and regional implications
The Iran-backed Houthi movement acknowledged the strikes through its media outlets but refrained from providing immediate details of casualties or damage. Over the past week, the group has intensified its attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, framing its actions as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the strikes on Hodeida and other ports, noting their critical role as entry points for humanitarian aid into war-torn Yemen. These facilities are essential for delivering food, medicine, and other necessities to millions of Yemenis enduring a protracted humanitarian crisis.
Escalation in Gaza
Simultaneously, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza took a grim turn as an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinian journalists near Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as employees of the Al-Quds Today news channel, which is affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group.
The IDF defended the strike, claiming the journalists were Islamic Jihad operatives using their media roles as a cover for militant activities. Israeli intelligence cited a list of operatives recovered by soldiers in Gaza to substantiate the claim. “These were not journalists; they were combat propagandists,” an IDF spokesperson asserted.
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Islamic Jihad, a smaller but fiercely militant ally of Hamas, has been actively involved in the conflict, including the October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel that marked a turning point in the ongoing war.
Broader implications
The dual escalation in Yemen and Gaza underscores the expanding scope of Israel’s military operations, reflecting its commitment to confront threats on multiple fronts. The Houthis’ alignment with Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah, places them firmly in Israel’s crosshairs amid the broader geopolitical contest in the region.
The strikes in Yemen also highlight the increasing complexity of the Red Sea corridor, a vital route for international shipping and trade. Houthi attacks on vessels have raised alarms over the security of this critical waterway, prompting Israel and its allies to respond robustly.
Humanitarian concerns
While Israel justifies its actions as necessary for self-defence, the broader humanitarian implications cannot be ignored. The attacks on Yemeni ports threaten to exacerbate the dire situation for civilians reliant on aid, while casualties in Gaza continue to mount, raising questions about proportionality and the protection of non-combatants in conflict zones.
Outlook
As tensions intensify, the international community faces mounting pressure to mediate and prevent further escalation. For now, Israel’s actions in Yemen and Gaza reflect a determination to project strength against a widening array of adversaries, but the long-term implications of these moves remain uncertain. Both theatres of conflict continue to underscore the fragile balance of power in a volatile region.
