Israel’s military launched airstrikes on multiple Houthi-linked sites in Yemen on Thursday, including Sana’a International Airport, where World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly avoided harm as he prepared to board a flight.
Tedros, in Yemen to negotiate the release of UN staff held hostage by the Houthi movement and assess the dire health and humanitarian situation, shared details of the close call. “The air traffic control tower, departure lounge—just meters from where we were—and the runway were damaged,” he wrote on social media platform X.
A UN crew member sustained injuries during the attack. UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay confirmed the injured individual was part of the UN Humanitarian Air Service team. Tedros noted that airport damage would delay their departure.
Israel claimed responsibility for strikes on Sana’a Airport, Hodeidah, and military infrastructure in Ras Kanatib and Salif. Earlier, power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib were also hit. The strikes followed repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel, framed by the group as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Houthi-operated Al Masirah TV reported on the strikes, but the Houthis themselves have not issued an immediate response. The group’s attacks over the past year have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing costly detours that have fueled inflation fears.
Israel has urged its European diplomatic missions to lobby for the Houthis to be designated as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is set to convene on Monday to discuss Houthi aggression against Israel, according to Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon.
Tensions escalated after Israel failed to intercept a missile from Yemen last Saturday. The missile struck the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, injuring 14 people, highlighting the growing reach of the Houthi offensive.
As both sides brace for further confrontations, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to deepen, with no resolution in sight.
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