“Condemnation and Concern”: UN’s First Response to Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reacted to the Israeli airstrikes in Yemen, expressing his concern.

Guterres denounced the “escalation” of hostilities between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Israel, expressing “concern” over the strikes carried out by the Israeli state on Sanaa Airport on Thursday.

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Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesperson, said in a statement that “the Secretary-General condemns the escalation between Yemen and Israel.”

He added that the Israeli airstrikes targeting Sanaa International Airport, as well as ports on the Red Sea and power stations in Yemen, are particularly worrying.

Guterres voiced fears of the potential for further escalation in the region.

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On Thursday, Israel attacked several targets in Yemen linked to Houthi militias, including Sanaa International Airport. Houthi media reported that at least six people were killed.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, said he was about to board a plane at the airport when it came under attack. In a statement, he noted that a member of the plane’s crew was injured.

The Israeli army stated that, in addition to targeting the airport, it struck military infrastructure at the ports of Al-Hodeidah, Al-Salif, and Ras Khatib on Yemen’s western coast. It also reported bombing the Haziz and Ras Khatib power plants.

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Later on Thursday, the Houthis announced their readiness to respond swiftly to the attack and confront “escalation with escalation.”

Since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have repeatedly launched drones and missiles toward Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following the strikes that Israel would continue its mission until completion.

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In an interview with Israeli Channel 14, Netanyahu added: “We are still at the beginning with them.”

Last Saturday, the Israeli army failed to intercept a missile from Yemen that landed in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, injuring 14 people.

The Houthis‘ ongoing attacks, which have lasted for over a year, have disrupted international shipping lanes, forcing companies to adjust routes to longer and more expensive paths, raising concerns about global inflation.

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