UN voices alarm after WHO chief caught up in deadly Israeli strike on Yemen airport
GuardianDec 27, 2024
WHO Chief at Yemen Airport During Israeli Strikes
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Above: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, speaks at the pledge session of the 2024 World Health Summit on Oct. 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen on Thursday, including Sanaa International Airport, where World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other UN staff were present while preparing to board a flight.
The strikes damaged the airport's air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway, killing at least six people and injuring 40 others across various locations, according to Houthi media.
Israel's military targeted what it described as military infrastructure at Sanaa airport, Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, and ports in Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Kanatib.
The Spin
Narrative A
The strikes were necessary military actions targeting terrorist infrastructure used for smuggling Iranian weapons and threatening Israeli security. The Houthis have been conducting attacks on Israeli territory and disrupting maritime navigation in the Red Sea, requiring a strong response to protect civilian lives and regional stability.
Narrative B
The Israeli attacks represent an aggressive escalation that targeted civilian infrastructure, endangered UN humanitarian personnel, and resulted in civilian casualties. The strikes threaten humanitarian operations in Yemen and risk further destabilizing an already fragile region.
