Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa airport during a civilian plane landing ignite controversy and raise concerns about humanitarian efforts in the region.
Netanyahu is not backing down.
At a Glance
- Israeli airstrikes hit Sanaa airport as a civilian Airbus 320 was landing
- UN officials, including WHO Chief, were present during the attack
- Airport’s control tower destroyed, hampering humanitarian operations
- UN refutes Israeli claims that the airport had military purposes
- Incident heightens tensions and threatens Yemen’s humanitarian crisis
Israeli Strikes on Sanaa Airport Spark Controversy
In a move that has drawn international attention, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Sanaa airport in Yemen while a civilian Airbus 320 was completing its landing. The attack, which destroyed the airport’s control tower, has raised serious questions about the safety of civilian infrastructure and the potential impact on humanitarian efforts in the region.
The incident occurred without prior warning and in the presence of key international delegates, including United Nations members and the World Health Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This unexpected assault has intensified existing tensions and signaled a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict.
UN Secretary-General condemns escalation between #Yemen and Israel, expressing alarm over Israeli airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports and power stationshttps://t.co/0tXhUumU3b pic.twitter.com/MkS4wddSaQ
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 26, 2024
UN Refutes Israeli Claims, Emphasizes Humanitarian Purpose
The United Nations has strongly refuted Israel’s assertion that the Sanaa airport served military purposes. Julien Harneis, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, provided a clear and unequivocal statement regarding the airport’s function.
Harneis said the airport “is a civilian location that is used by the United Nations.”
Harneis further emphasized the critical role the airport plays in facilitating humanitarian aid and civilian transportation. He stressed that the responsibility lies with the parties involved in the conflict to ensure they do not target civilian infrastructure.
The attack on Sanaa airport threatens to exacerbate Yemen’s already dire humanitarian situation. As the largest humanitarian crisis globally, Yemen relies heavily on this airport for the delivery of essential aid and medical supplies. The destruction of the control tower and potential long-term damage to the facility could severely hamper ongoing relief efforts.
With 24.1 million people in Yemen requiring aid and public services collapsing due to ongoing conflict, the disabling of this crucial airport could paralyze humanitarian operations, potentially leading to devastating consequences for the Yemeni population. But don’t forget: the attacks directed at Israel would cause even more chaos if Israel wasn’t so good at defending itself.
The Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa airport come in the wake of increased long-range attacks by Houthi rebels on Israel. This incident marks a significant escalation in the broader regional conflict, potentially drawing Yemen further into the ongoing tensions between Israel and various groups in the Middle East.
