WHO Chief Escapes Unharmed as Israeli Airstrikes Devastate Sana'a Airport

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped harm as Israeli airstrikes struck Yemen's Sana'a International Airport on December 26, 2024. The WHO chief was on a humanitarian mission when the airstrikes, targeting Houthi positions, severely damaged the airport and other critical infrastructure in the capital.

Ghebreyesus and his team were at the airport preparing to leave after negotiating the release of detained UN staff and assessing Yemen's dire humanitarian situation. While the WHO team was unharmed, a crew member on their plane sustained injuries. Ghebreyesus expressed shock over the attack, describing the destruction as "a blow to humanitarian efforts in a nation already in crisis."

The airstrikes, which Israel described as retaliation for recent Houthi missile and drone attacks, rendered Sana'a airport inoperable by destroying the air traffic control tower and damaging the runway. The attacks also targeted power plants and ports, further crippling Yemen's infrastructure. Houthi media reported at least six fatalities and dozens of injuries, raising concerns over the impact on civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, calling them a necessary measure to counter Houthi aggression. He accused the Iran-backed group of acting as a "terrorist arm" of Tehran, citing their escalating attacks on Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea as threats to regional stability. Netanyahu vowed to continue dismantling Houthi capabilities to prevent further threats.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have increased their offensive against Israel since the escalation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israeli territory and disrupted global maritime trade by targeting vessels in key waterways.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have condemned the violence on both sides. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the destruction of Sana'a airport as "alarming" and reiterated calls for restraint to protect civilians and aid operations. The WHO warned that the damage to Yemen's main airport would severely hamper the delivery of life-saving assistance in a country where millions rely on aid.

Yemen's long-standing civil war has already left the nation on the brink of collapse, with widespread famine, disease, and displacement. The latest strikes have exacerbated the crisis, making it even harder for humanitarian agencies to reach those in need. The WHO and other organizations have urged all parties to prioritize humanitarian access and allow the safe passage of aid.

As the conflict escalates, the international community has called for urgent de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts. Observers fear that continued hostilities could lead to a broader regional conflict, further jeopardizing the lives of millions and destabilizing an already volatile Middle East.

For Yemen, the consequences of these airstrikes are profound, underscoring the devastating toll of war on a nation caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries.