WHO Chief, UN Team Caught in Deadly Israeli Strikes on Yemen
Israeli airstrikes on Thursday targeted the Yemeni capital Sanaa and the western city of Hodeidah, killing at least six people and injuring dozens, the Houthi rebel group reported. The strikes disrupted a high-level United Nations (UN) delegation, led by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was preparing to depart from Sanaa International Airport.
The attack on the airport claimed three lives and injured at least 30 others, according to Houthi-controlled media. The airstrikes damaged the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway, forcing the temporary suspension of operations by the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). “As we were about to board our flight, the airport came under aerial bombardment,” said Tedros in a statement. He confirmed that a crew member was injured and evacuated for treatment in Jordan.
The UN delegation had been in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN personnel and assess the country’s dire humanitarian situation. Tedros extended condolences to the families of the victims, condemning attacks on civilians and aid workers as unacceptable.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in Yemen and Israel, calling for immediate de-escalation. The suspension of UNHAS operations has already disrupted the delivery of aid in Yemen, where humanitarian needs are acute. Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme, which manages UNHAS, warned that the suspension “will negatively impact the humanitarian response at a time of immense and growing needs.”
The strikes extended to Hodeidah, where three people were killed and 10 injured. Ports and power stations were among the targets, further crippling infrastructure in the region. The Houthis described the attacks as “brutal aggression” and vowed retaliation. Hezam al-Asad, a senior Houthi figure, issued a threat in Hebrew, warning that Gush Dan, an area in central Israel including Tel Aviv, was no longer safe.
Hours after the strikes, Israel’s military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory. While no injuries were reported, the Houthis have not yet commented on the incident.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military actions, framing them as a necessary effort to dismantle Iran-backed groups such as the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah. These groups have intensified attacks on Israel and its allies since the onset of the Gaza war, which has resulted in thousands of casualties. Netanyahu vowed to continue the strikes “until the mission is complete.”
The Houthis, aligned with Iran, control significant territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. They have been involved in a broader regional conflict targeting Israel and allied forces. Recent months have seen missile launches from Yemen, with one projectile striking Tel Aviv and injuring 16 people.
As the conflict escalates, the repercussions for civilians in Yemen and the region remain severe. Aid organizations and international bodies continue to call for an immediate end to hostilities, emphasizing the devastating humanitarian toll.
