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Israeli Jets Strike Yemeni Port in Response to Drone Attack
Israeli jets struck several targets, including energy infrastructure, in the Yemeni port of Hodeida on Saturday in response to a drone attack by Houthi militants that killed one person in Tel Aviv the day before.
Background
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza erupted last year, leading to repeated attacks against Israel by Iran-backed Houthi militants. Since then, the Houthis have attacked Israel over 200 times. Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that the country will take action in any place where it may be required to protect its citizens.
The Attack
On Friday, a long-range drone detonated over the centre of Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring ten more. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in support of the Palestinians as part of the so-called axis of resistance made up of militant groups backed by Iran. Israel and the US have accused Iran of supplying the Islamist movement with missile and drone technology.
Consequences
The Israeli military strikes hit "dual use" targets in the port, including energy infrastructure. Hodeida is the main supply route for Iranian weapons deliveries to the Houthis. Yemeni media reported that the strikes caused casualties, but did not provide a death toll. A Houthi spokesman, Mohammed Abdulsalam, stated that the strikes hit "civilian facilities, oil depots, and the power station" in Hodeida, and would not deter Houthi forces but "only increase our determination".
International Response
Israel informed its allies in advance of the strike. The international community has condemned the attack, with many countries calling for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Why Did Israel Take Action?
Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that the country took action because the Houthis attacked Israel over 200 times, and the blood of Israeli citizens has a price. The Defence Minister added that the result of attacking Israel will be identical, whether it is in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, or other places.
The Impact on Yemen
The strike on Hodeida port has caused intense fires and black smoke to spiral into the sky. The port is controlled by Houthi rebels and is the main supply route for Iranian weapons deliveries to the Houthis. The attack has also disrupted the flow of goods through one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.
What’s Next?
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with both sides exchanging blows. The international community continues to call for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict. The attack on Tel Aviv and the subsequent strike on Hodeida port have raised tensions in the region, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
Conclusion
The attack on Tel Aviv and the subsequent strike on Hodeida port highlight the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis. The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging blows. The international community must continue to call for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict and protect civilians on all sides.
FAQs
Q: Why did Israel strike the Hodeida port?
A: Israel struck the Hodeida port in response to a drone attack by Houthi militants that killed one person in Tel Aviv the day before.
Q: What was the impact of the strike?
A: The strike caused intense fires and black smoke to spiral into the sky, and Yemeni media reported that the strikes caused casualties, but did not provide a death toll.
Q: What is the significance of the Hodeida port?
A: The Hodeida port is the main supply route for Iranian weapons deliveries to the Houthis and is controlled by Houthi rebels.
Q: What is the international response to the conflict?
A: The international community has condemned the attack, with many countries calling for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Q: What is the status of the conflict between Israel and the Houthis?
A: The conflict remains ongoing, with both sides exchanging blows. The international community must continue to call for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict and protect civilians on all sides.
Author: www.ft.com
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