Threats issued by Israel towards Huthi leaders following attacks on Yemeni ports
Rebel Attacks on Israel Escalate, Yemen's Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
In the past month, the Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on Israel, despite a truce with international shipping in the Red Sea. Three missiles have been fired in just a few days, causing air raid warnings in major cities. The Huthis' Al-Masirah television reported strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for aid, as well as the port of Salif further north.
The war-torn city of Hodeida experienced several loud explosions, according to an AFP correspondent on-site, resulting in at least one death and nine injuries, as per the Huthi-run health ministry. Israel's military responded by launching the eighth round of strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen, dropping over 30 munitions. They claimed the ports were used to transfer weapons, and prior warnings were issued to Yemeni civilians to evacuate.
Reubbing their support for Palestinians in Gaza, the Huthi leadership asserts that the attacks on Israel will be met with a "painful response." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the Houthi leadership that retaliation will be severe and relentless, with targets including the Houthi leadership and their infrastructure capable of launching attacks on Israel. The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz further threatened that if the missile attacks continue, Houthi leaders will face the same fate as Hamas leaders killed by Israel in Gaza.
Regional Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns
The UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, denounced the recent exchange between Israel and the Houthis as a "dangerous escalation," reminding the world that Yemen is ensnared in regional tensions. The conflict, already straining the country's resources, is worsening the humanitarian crisis, particularly challenging access to food, healthcare, and clean water.
In light of the drastic drop in funding from member states, the UN has scaled back its humanitarian aid goals in Yemen. Previously, the UN had launched an appeal for $2.4 billion to support 10.5 million people in war-torn Yemen, but with funding down, the focus has shifted to helping the neediest of the 8.8 million people in Yemen. The changed priorities allow UN agencies to maintain aid delivery, but at a reduced capacity and lower staffing levels.
Notable Incidents and Escalation
Since March 18, 2025, the Houthi forces have launched several attacks on Israel, including firing 35 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones[1]. Previously, on May 17, 2025, Israel successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis, causing no reported injuries or damage[1]. The ongoing conflict has intensified, and the potential for further escalation remains high, with regional dynamics and humanitarian concerns at stake.
[1] BBC News, "Yemen: Israel and Houthis trade warning of more strikes," May 8, 2025. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56651104
[2] The Guardian, "Oman brokers truce in Yemen war, averting imminent Houthi attack," May 5, 2025. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/05/oman-brokers-truce-yemen-war-avert-imminent-houthi-attack
[3] Reuters, "Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi-held Yemen ports, military says," May 9, 2025. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-airstrikes-hit-houthi-held-yemen-ports-military-2025-05-09/
- The escalating attacks by the Houthi rebels on Israel, as seen in the launch of 35 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones since March 18, 2025, have garnered attention in the General News and Politics sectors.
- The United States, along with the international community, expresses concern over the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the intensification of the conflicts between Israel and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Amidst the escalating tensions, it is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire, with the humanitarian crisis in Yemen already straining resources and access to essential services such as food, healthcare, and clean water.
- In light of the regional tensions and the increasing crime-and-justice issues related to the ongoing conflicts, diplomatic efforts are being made to prevent further deterioration, such as the recent truce brokerage by Oman in Yemen on May 5, 2025.
