WHO Director-General Narrowly Escapes Israeli Airstrike in Yemen

Date: December 28, 2024

In a harrowing incident at Sanaa International Airport, Yemen, the World Health Organization's Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike. The attack occurred amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthi rebels, highlighting the dangers of civilian infrastructure being caught in conflict zones.

Incident Details

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Sanaa International Airport on December 26, 2024, preparing to board a flight when the airstrike took place. The WHO chief reported that the attack was so close that he was uncertain of his survival, with the blasts causing his ears to ring for over a day afterward.

Casualties: At least two individuals were reported killed at the airport, and one crew member from the WHO's plane was injured.
Damage: The airstrike damaged the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway, significantly affecting operations at the airport.

Background and Context

Israel-Houthi Conflict: The strike is part of a broader military engagement where Israel has been targeting Houthi forces in Yemen, who have been launching drones and missiles towards Israel in solidarity with Palestinian struggles in Gaza.
WHO Mission: Dr. Tedros was in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and to assess the humanitarian situation in the country, which has been described as one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.

Statements and Reactions

Dr. Tedros: He expressed surprise over the targeting of civilian infrastructure like an airport, especially given the public nature of his itinerary. He stressed the importance of protecting civilian sites under international law.
UN Secretary-General: António Guterres condemned the escalation, expressing deep concern over the risk of further regional instability.
Israeli Response: The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the strikes were aimed at Houthi military infrastructure, claiming the airport was used for smuggling Iranian weapons.

Footage and Public Response

Footage of the incident, showing the chaos and evacuation of the airport, has circulated widely on social media, drawing international attention to the incident. There's been significant outcry over the safety of international personnel in conflict zones and the implications for humanitarian efforts.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by international figures in war-torn regions and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent civilian infrastructure from becoming collateral damage in military operations. The international community continues to call for restraint and protection of civilian life and assets.

Sources

Tags: #WHO #Yemen #Israel #Houthi #SanaaAirport #Conflict #HumanitarianCrisis

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