In brief
The WHO director was in Yemen to address humanitarian issues when airstrikes escalated tensions in the region.
In a shocking turn of events, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), found himself at Yemen’s Sanaa international airport amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Thursday. These strikes reportedly resulted in at least six fatalities, while the Houthi-run Saba news agency informed that three deaths occurred at the airport with an additional 30 individuals injured. The violence also unfolded in the Hodeidah region, claiming three more lives and injuring 10 others.Dr. Tedros, who was preparing to depart when the missile strikes commenced, stated on social media platform X that he was unharmed but witnessed considerable damage to the airport's infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower and the departure lounge. His visit was aimed at negotiating the release of UN personnel who had been detained and assessing the ongoing health and humanitarian crises within the war-torn country, though specifics on the detained staff were not divulged.The strikes, which Israel termed as “intelligence-based” attacks targeting military installations linked to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, have been condemned by UN Secretary General António Guterres, who expressed alarm over the apparent escalation in Yemeni-Israeli tensions. The IDF's statement emphasized their strategy of neutralizing military threats posed by the Houthis, including operations targeting airports and major power stations.Houthi authorities have characterized the Israeli actions as "barbaric" and pledging retaliation against "American and Israeli arrogance" until the Gaza conflict sees a resolution. The recent escalation follows a history of Houthi missile strikes aimed at Israel, with Israel responding in kind, marking a volatile period in Middle Eastern geopolitics that has seen significant civilian and military tolls on both sides.Iran, echoing the Houthis’ sentiments, denounced the attacks as violations of international law, while local hospitals in Sanaa were overwhelmed with the influx of patients needing treatment from the strikes. As tensions remain high, both the international community and organizations like the WHO will continue to monitor the plight of the Yemeni populace caught in this crossfire.
