World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s Sana’a International Airport on Thursday (26 December).
The attack claimed two lives, reports BBC.
In a statement on social media, Tedros recounted, “The attack occurred as we were boarding the plane. One of our crew members sustained injuries.”
According to Houthi-aligned media, Israeli forces also targeted power plants and seaports in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to over 12 others. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
The Israeli Defence Forces stated that the airstrikes were aimed at dismantling Houthi military convoys based on intelligence reports. The operation damaged infrastructure at Sana’a International Airport as well as power facilities in Hejiaz and Ras Kanatib regions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes, declaring, “We will not rest until the devilish shield of Iran is shattered. This operation against the Houthis marks the beginning of that effort.”
Describing the attacks as "barbaric," Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi declared, “As long as violence in Gaza continues, the war against the United States and Israel will persist.”
Witnesses and medical professionals highlighted the severe damage inflicted on Sana’a Airport. Abbas Rajeh, a doctor, reported treating 10 injured individuals, one of whom remains in critical condition.
Iran condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of violating international peace and security agreements.
The current violence stems from Yemen’s Houthi faction aligning with Gaza-based Hamas in 2023, adopting an adversarial stance against Israel.
