WHO Chief Witnesses Israeli Airstrikes Near Yemen Airport

Details of the Airstrikes

The airstrikes, reportedly conducted by Israeli forces, targeted multiple locations in Yemen, including the airport where WHO officials were present. As Tedros and his team were about to depart, they witnessed aerial bombardments that resulted in significant damage to crucial airport infrastructure. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge—just a few meters from where we were—and the runway were damaged,” Tedros recounted on social media shortly after the incident. Fortunately, he confirmed that he and his colleagues remained unharmed, although one crew member suffered injuries from the attack.

Humanitarian Mission Amid Conflict

The timing of the airstrikes coincided with Tedros’s visit to Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess the dire humanitarian situation in the country. His presence at the airport during such a critical moment underscores the precariousness of humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. The WHO chief expressed his condolences to those affected by the strikes, which reportedly killed at least two airport employees and injured several others.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as explosions rocked the airport. Eyewitness accounts indicated that “more than six” strikes hit the facility, causing panic among travelers and staff alike. Video footage captured inside the terminal showed individuals fleeing amid the chaos, highlighting the immediate dangers faced by civilians caught in military conflicts.

Israeli Military Justification

Israeli military officials stated that their operations aimed at targeting military infrastructure linked to Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes were part of a broader strategy to counter perceived threats posed by Iran-aligned groups in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that their attacks targeted facilities used for military activities by Houthi forces, including power stations and ports along Yemen’s western coast.

International Reactions

This escalation comes amid rising tensions between Israel and various militant groups across the Middle East. Just days prior to these airstrikes, Israel intercepted missiles launched from Yemen towards its territory. The ongoing conflict has drawn international condemnation and raised alarms about its impact on humanitarian efforts in Yemen, where over 80% of the population relies on aid for survival.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern regarding this latest wave of violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strikes on civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that such actions pose severe risks to humanitarian operations essential for millions of vulnerable individuals in Yemen. Guterres’s remarks reflect a growing apprehension about how military actions disrupt critical aid delivery systems in a country already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Calls for Peace and Stability

As news of the airstrikes spread, reactions poured in from various global leaders and organizations advocating for peace and stability in Yemen. Many called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian access to those in need. The situation remains fluid as international observers closely monitor developments following this incident.

The Role of WHO

In light of these events, it is crucial for global stakeholders to engage in dialogue aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering conditions conducive to peace. The presence of high-profile figures like Tedros at conflict sites highlights both the urgency and complexity of addressing humanitarian needs amidst ongoing violence.

The WHO continues its mission in Yemen despite these challenges, striving to provide essential health services and support to those affected by war and disease. As international attention focuses on Sanaa International Airport’s recent tragedy, there is hope that this incident will galvanize efforts towards a peaceful resolution and greater humanitarian access across Yemen.