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The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen took a dramatic turn following a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv. In response to the attack, which killed an Israeli civilian, Israeli warplanes launched strikes against the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 87 others.
The strikes, the first claimed by Israel in Yemen, were seen as a forceful message from the Israeli government, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stating that the blood of Israeli citizens has a price. Gallant further warned that additional operations against the Houthis would follow any further attacks on Israeli territory.
The Israeli strikes on Hodeida were not just a response to the drone attack but also a broader warning to other Iran-backed armed groups in the region. The attack highlighted Israel's determination to retaliate against any threat, including from seemingly distant actors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that anyone who harms Israel will face severe consequences.
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the vital Hodeida port, condemned the strikes as brutal aggression. They accused Israel of targeting fuel storage facilities and a power plant in an effort to pressure Yemen into ceasing support for Palestinians in the Gaza war. The attack has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
The attack on Hodeida port, a critical lifeline for aid and imports to rebel-held areas in Yemen, has heightened fears about the humanitarian consequences. The port's vulnerability to attack raises concerns about the future flow of aid and the potential for exacerbating an already dire food security situation in northern Yemen. The incident has also sparked concern about the impact on trade and the movement of vessels in the region.
The international community has reacted with a mix of condemnation and concern. While the United States, which has carried out its own air strikes against the Houthis, distanced itself from the Israeli strikes, it acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense. UN chief Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. However, Houthi officials have vowed revenge for the Hodeida strikes, threatening to meet escalation with escalation.
Source: Israeli Jets Strike Yemen Rebels After Deadly Attack On Tel Aviv, 3 Killed