Houthis Vow Continued Strikes on Israel Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

The Houthi political faction in Yemen has pledged to escalate attacks against Israel, emphasising solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israeli airstrikes in Yemen.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi political bureau member, stated on BBC’s Newshour “We are committed to continuing our military operation in support of Gaza and we will not stop until the genocide crimes and the siege on Gaza stop. We are going to escalate our military targeting of Israel.”

The remarks follow intensified strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday, targeting Sanaa International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations, reportedly killing four individuals. Al-Bukhaiti also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation strongly denied by Israeli authorities.

In retaliation, the Houthis launched another ballistic missile at Israel, which was intercepted before causing any harm, according to the Israeli military.

This marked the continuation of a series of attacks by the Houthis, who control north-western Yemen, since the onset of the Hamas-Israel conflict in October 2023. Israel has since conducted four rounds of airstrikes in Yemen, citing over 400 missiles and drones launched by the Iran-aligned group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterised the operations as part of a “war of redemption,” declaring: “We are determined to cut off this terrorist arm of Iran’s axis of evil. We will persist until we get the job done.” Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, pledging to “hunt down all the Houthi leaders.”

The strikes at Sanaa airport coincided with the departure of a UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flight carrying WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. A crew member was severely injured and evacuated for treatment in Jordan. Dr Tedros condemned attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, tweeting: “Attacks on civilians and humanitarians must stop, everywhere.”

Yemen’s deputy transport minister, Yahya al-Sayani, accused Israel of violating international law, alleging damage to critical airport infrastructure, including the control tower and navigational equipment. He confirmed that flights resumed later that day.

UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating conflict, particularly the airstrikes’ impact on humanitarian operations in Yemen, a nation already grappling with severe crises. “Attacks on the airport and ports are especially alarming,” said Guterres, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Despite allegations of Iranian backing, al-Bukhaiti asserted the Houthis’ independent capacity to sustain the conflict. He warned of potential escalations involving the US, referencing the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

As international tensions mount, the United Nations is investigating the incident at Sanaa airport while maintaining calls for restraint to prevent further escalation in the region.

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