Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Safely Evades Israeli Strike on Sanaa Airport in Yemen
In a harrowing incident, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an Israeli aerial bombardment that struck Sanaa International Airport in Yemen. He was about to board a flight when the attack occurred, causing significant damage and casualties.
Narrow Escape and Casualties
“As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport came under aerial bombardment,” Dr. Tedros stated in a press release. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge – just a few meters from where we were – and the runway were damaged.” The attack resulted in injuries to one of his plane’s crew members and at least two fatalities at the airport.
Deadly Strikes and Broader Conflict
The incident is part of a larger escalation between Israel and the Houthi movement. Israel struck multiple targets linked to the Houthi rebels, including Sanaa International Airport, Hodeidah, and other ports in Yemen. Houthi media reported that at least six people were killed and 40 were wounded in the attacks.
Our mission to negotiate the release of @UN staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in #Yemen concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees’ immediate release.
As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport… pic.twitter.com/riZayWHkvf
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 26, 2024
The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency claimed that three people were killed at the airport and three in Hodeidah, with 40 wounded. The strikes also affected Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations and military infrastructure in the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
Dr. Tedros and his WHO delegation were in Yemen for a mission to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess the health and humanitarian situation. The ongoing conflict has disrupted international shipping routes, leading to longer and more costly journeys for firms, potentially exacerbating global inflation fears.
Israeli Government Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced his commitment to the campaign against the Houthis. “We are just getting started with them,” he stated in an interview with Channel 14. The devastation caused by earlier strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Syrian army’s strategic weapons has bolstered Netanyahu’s position politically.
International Reactions
The UN Security Council is set to meet on Monday to discuss Houthi attacks against Israel. The Egyptian-led Arab League has condemned multiple attacks by the Houthis, while the United Nations spokesperson underscores alarm over Israel’s airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure.
“Israeli airstrikes today on Sanaa International Airport, the Red Sea ports and power stations in Yemen are especially alarming,” said the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief expressed concerns about the potential for further regional escalations.
Continued Tensions
The escalation highlights the broader implications of the conflict in Yemen. On Saturday, a Houthi missile attack injured 16 people in Tel Aviv, prompting a stern warning from Prime Minister Netanyahu. “I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Houthis because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force,” Netanyahu declared in parliament.
The Houthis, allied with Iran, have launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel since the conflict erupted in Gaza in October 2023. The actions are framed as a show of solidarity with Palestinians but have drawn fierce criticism from Israel and international allies.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The conflict in Yemen shows no signs of abating, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The incident involving Dr. Tedros and the WHO delegation underscores the ongoing human cost of the conflict and the challenges in advancing humanitarian efforts.
As the international community gathers to discuss the situation, the focus will be on finding diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
We invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, and concerns in the comments below. Stay informed and engaged to help bring about positive change.
