DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli navy struck docks in the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Tuesday, targeting facilities vital for humanitarian aid deliveries in a nation already ravaged by war and famine. This marks the first instance of Israeli forces engaging directly with the Houthi rebels, who have been firing missiles and drones at Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Israeli military confirmed that missile ships carried out the operation, aiming at the docks purportedly used by the Houthis for military purposes. In a statement, the military described the port as a mechanism for transferring weapons, accusing the Houthi leadership of exploiting civilian infrastructure to further their objectives.

Hodeida is a critical entry point for food and aid, serving millions of Yemenis since the conflict began in 2014 with the Houthis’ takeover of the capital, Sanaa. The recent Israeli action raises concerns about the implications for vital aid supplies to a population already facing severe humanitarian crises.

In a response to the air strike, Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthis’ media office, minimized the impact of the attacks, asserting that morale among the Yemeni people remains uncompromised. He emphasized that public demonstrations in support of Gaza continue despite the strikes, suggesting a determination to maintain national unity in the face of adversity.

Late Monday, Israel broadcast warnings, advising residents to evacuate from the Ras Isa, Hodeida, and al-Salif ports, citing concerns about the Houthis’ military activities in the area. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that ongoing missile strikes from the Houthis would trigger a robust response, including the possibility of a naval and air blockade.

The dynamics in the region have been increasingly complex, particularly after the Houthis claimed responsibility for multiple missile and drone attacks targeting commercial and military vessels. Since November 2023, shifts in their tactics have included targeting over 100 ships, contributing to a notable reduction in trade through the Red Sea.

Earlier this year, the Houthis had temporarily ceased their attacks amidst a self-enforced ceasefire, which was broken following heightened U.S. military actions against them. The U.S. Secretary of Defense highlighted the safety of recent naval transits in the Red Sea, underscoring the success of military operations aimed at countering Houthi threats.

As the situation unfolds, the Houthis’ potential reaction to the Israeli naval strikes remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the prolonged conflict in Yemen continues without resolution, pitting the Houthis against an exiled government supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The ongoing standoff highlights the intricate interplay of regional military and political factors that could have far-reaching humanitarian consequences.