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Escalating Hostilities: Airstrike Hits Yemen’s Capital Amid Tensions with Israel

On December 27, 2024, a new airstrike targeted Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, following Huthi missile strikes towards Israel. The attack escalated tensions after Israeli air raids on Sanaa Airport. Amidst protests against Israeli actions, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepened as the international community urged for stability and support for the beleaguered population relying on aid.

On December 27, 2024, a new airstrike occurred in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, which is held by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The Huthis asserted that this attack followed their recent missile launches towards Israel, amidst escalating tensions in the region. This strike came after Israeli air raids targeted Sanaa International Airport, injuring a UN staff member, as preparations were underway for Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to depart from the country. Residents reported powerful explosions shaking their homes, yet it remains ambiguous who conducted the latest attack, although the Huthis attributed it to “US-British aggression.” No immediate response from Israel, the United States, or Britain has been documented. The escalation of hostilities is underscored by the recent increased attacks from the Huthis against Israeli positions, which included missile assaults on Israeli airports and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Tens of thousands of demonstrators in Sanaa voiced their solidarity with Palestinians, expressing resilience against continued Israeli military actions. Despite damage to the airport, operations were restored the next morning, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian implications of the conflict, particularly given that over 80% of Yemen’s population relies on aid, exacerbating the urgency for diplomatic resolution amidst these aggravating military confrontations.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen primarily involves the Huthi rebels, who have controlled significant regions including the capital, Sanaa, since 2014 after ousting the internationally recognized government. The Huthis, receiving support from Iran, have intensified their military actions in response to perceived aggressions by Israel and the U.S.-led coalition. The situation deteriorated further following the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023, leading to a series of retaliatory strikes, counterstrikes, and escalating violence affecting civilians and critical infrastructure. Humanitarian access remains a critical concern, as the ongoing warfare severely disrupts aid deliveries in a country already suffering from widespread poverty and famine. The geopolitical context remains complex, involving multiple actors including regional powers and international organizations aimed at mitigating the humanitarian crises.

In conclusion, the events surrounding the recent airstrike in Sanaa signify a troubling escalation in the already protracted conflict in Yemen, involving broader regional dynamics and international responses. The Huthis are exerting military pressure on Israel while reacting to airstrikes targeted towards their sites. This cycle of violence and retaliation threatens not only the lives of civilians but also crucial humanitarian efforts in a nation grappling with severe needs. Calls for a resolution and a cessation of hostilities are increasingly urgent given the dire implications for those affected by the violence.

Original Source: jordantimes.com

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