Hodeidah, Yemen – Powerful airstrikes struck the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, following Israeli threats of retaliation for a recent drone attack on Tel Aviv. The airstrikes targeted a refinery and electricity infrastructure, causing a massive blaze. This marked the first direct hit on Yemen since Houthi rebels began launching missiles and drones towards Israel.
Reports from Almasirah television, affiliated with the Houthi movement, confirmed the airstrikes on the city. Images circulating on social media showed significant plumes of smoke and fire near the port, with claims of fatalities resulting from the strikes on oil facilities. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrikes were in response to numerous attacks against Israel in recent months, targeting military sites in Hodeidah Port.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strike by alleging the port’s military use, emphasizing Israel’s reach in confronting its enemies. In retaliation, the Houthis vowed to continue plaguing Israel with further attacks. The Saudi Arabian outlet Al Arabiya reported that the joint operation involved Israel, the US, and the UK, using 12 Israeli aircraft in the strikes.
Following a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in casualties, Israel increased its air defenses, as rocket attacks from Hezbollah intensified in northern Israel. The ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthis and Israel has led to disruptions in maritime activities in the Red Sea, with reciprocal strikes on multiple fronts.
The Israeli government faces domestic and international pressure, with the UN’s international court of justice ruling against Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank. In response, Britain affirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, diverging from Washington’s stance on Palestinian refugees. Israeli officials dismissed the ICJ ruling, asserting sovereignty over disputed territories, while the US criticized the breadth of the court’s opinion, expressing concerns over peace efforts.
As tensions escalate in the region, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The airstrikes in Hodeidah serve as a reminder of the ongoing strife and the complexities of the Middle East conflict.
