Huthi Harbour Still Ablaze Days After Israel Strikes on Yemen
The port city of Hodeida in Yemen is still reeling from the devastating effects of Israeli airstrikes that targeted the Huthi rebel-controlled harbour days ago. The strike, which was carried out in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has left the city’s busiest port in ruins, with fires still raging and causing widespread damage.
The Israeli military claimed that the strike was carried out to prevent the shipment of Iranian-made missiles and drones to the Huthi rebels, who have been battling the internationally recognized government of Yemen for control of the country. However, the Huthi rebels and many international observers have condemned the strike as a violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and a flagrant disregard for international law.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene in Hodeida as "apocalyptic," with buildings reduced to rubble and debris scattered everywhere. The fires, which were sparked by the airstrikes, are still burning out of control, with thick black smoke billowing into the air. Many residents of the city are reported to have been left homeless, and the economic impact of the strike is expected to be severe.
The port of Hodeida is a crucial economic lifeline for Yemen, with most of the country’s imports and exports passing through it. The strike has not only damaged the port’s infrastructure but also caused a significant disruption to the flow of essential goods, including food and medicine.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen is already dire, with the country facing a severe humanitarian crisis that has been exacerbated by the conflict and a blockade imposed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The strike on Hodeida has only made things worse, with many aid organizations warning of a catastrophic humanitarian fallout.
The international community has condemned the Israeli strike, with many calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations has called for an urgent investigation into the strike, and the Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
The strike has also raised concerns about the risks of further escalation in the region. The conflict in Yemen has already drawn in multiple regional and international players, including the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The strike on Hodeida has only added to the tension, with many fearing that it could trigger a wider conflict in the region.
As the people of Hodeida struggle to come to terms with the devastating effects of the Israeli strike, the international community must work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen. The situation is desperate, and it is imperative that all parties refrain from further escalation and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of the Yemeni people.
In the meantime, aid organizations are working to provide assistance to those affected by the strike, and efforts are underway to contain the fires and restore basic services to the city. However, much more needs to be done to address the long-term impact of the strike and to prevent further humanitarian disasters in Yemen.