n a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi military targets near Yemen’s Hodeidah port. This action comes just days after a Houthi-led drone attack resulted in an explosion near the United States Embassy, leaving one person dead and at least ten injured.
According to media reports, the Israeli airstrikes, which occurred on Saturday, targeted oil facilities and a power station. The strikes resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to over 80 people. Videos have surfaced showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi closely monitoring the operation.
The Israeli government has made it clear that these strikes are a direct response to the drone attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the media, stating that the port of Hodeidah was targeted because it was being used for military purposes. “This strike makes it clear to our enemies that there is no place that the long arm of the state of Israel will not reach,” he asserted. Israel has reiterated its stance of zero tolerance towards attacks on its citizens, promising retaliation when necessary.
Meanwhile, the Houthis have vowed to intensify their attacks on Israel in response to the strikes. Hodeidah has recently faced multiple attacks from British and US forces, but Saturday’s strike was conducted solely by Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that this strike was in retaliation for over 200 Houthi attacks on Israel, highlighting that Israel will respond decisively whenever its citizens are harmed.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli strikes on Twitter, labeling them as “blatant Israeli aggression” aimed at increasing the suffering of the Yemeni people and pressuring Yemen to cease its support for Gaza.
Simultaneously, the conflict in Gaza saw further escalation. Palestinian health officials reported at least 13 casualties from three Israeli airstrikes targeting refugee camps in central Gaza, as cease-fire talks in Cairo showed signs of progress.
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