Yemen Hudaydah Port Targeted by Israel
Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Yemen escalate, causing civilian casualties, regional tensions, and prompting retaliatory threats.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza persist, causing significant civilian casualties since the escalation began on October 7. In a notable development, Israeli warplanes have targeted Hudaydah Port on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Reports indicate that the airstrikes resulted in deaths and injuries.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant justified the attack, citing over 200 Houthi assaults on Israel, including causing harm to Israeli citizens. He warned that retaliation would follow any further attacks on Israel, emphasizing that the ramifications of the strikes would resonate throughout the Middle East.
In response, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Seri condemned the Israeli strikes, pledging retaliation against critical Israeli targets. He stated that the Houthis are preparing for a prolonged conflict until hostilities in Gaza cease and the blockade is lifted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the Houthis as part of Iran’s “axis of evil,” asserting that the targeted port facilitated military operations and weapon transfers from Iran. He warned that any aggression against Israel would incur severe consequences.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kenani condemned the Israeli attack on Yemen, linking it to escalating regional tensions. He attributed the unrest primarily to Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressed condolences to the victims of the airstrikes.
In a separate incident, a drone strike near the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating they launched a new undetectable drone targeting central Israel, indicating their intent to continue strikes against Israeli territories.
Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Gallant, affirmed that a decisive response would follow the drone attack.
