New York (Web Desk): The recent surge in hostilities between the Houthi militants in Yemen and Israel has raised significant concerns globally, particularly after Israel launched airstrikes on various Houthi-linked targets, including Sana’a International Airport.
This occurred as a United Nations (UN) delegation, headed by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was present at the airport, waiting to depart.
The attack caused substantial damage to critical infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower and the departure lounge, causing casualties and injuries, including one to a member of the UN humanitarian team.
The strikes, which also targeted Red Sea ports and power stations, have been described as especially troubling due to their potential to hinder vital humanitarian operations.
Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, expressed deep concern about the impact on civilians and the disruption to life-saving assistance efforts for millions in need.
He stressed the importance of avoiding further military escalation, underlining that international humanitarian law must be upheld, especially regarding the protection of aid workers and civilian infrastructure.
The attack also threatens the fragile peace process in Yemen, which has been under intense diplomatic efforts led by the UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg. With these escalating actions, the hopes for a negotiated solution to the conflict in Yemen are increasingly at risk.
In the aftermath, Tedros reassured the public that he and his team were safe, despite the close proximity to the attack, and extended condolences to those who lost their lives in the bombing.
