Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Escalating Regional Tensions and Global Condemnation
Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on September 29, 2024, following missile attacks from the militants over two days, targeting power plants and sea ports in Ras Issa and Hodeidah and causing power outages. These strikes come amid the Gaza conflict, highlighting the broader regional tensions as the Houthis, backed by Iran, have been attacking Israel in solidarity with Palestinians.
Meanwhile,
Pope Francis, during his flight to Rome from Belgium, condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other non-combatants. The Pope emphasized the importance of proportional defense and the immorality of war, and he also decried recent Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, urging the international community to seek peace.
In related news, the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in nearly 50 deaths, including Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called for an immediate ceasefire during his visit to Lebanon, and the UN is reporting extensive displacement and loss of life.
Shifting focus to diplomatic efforts, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the UNGA in New York to discuss Egypt’s role in the Middle East and the need for global financial reforms. This meeting underscores the ongoing search for political solutions and financial stability in the region.
Adding to the complexities, US Senator Mark Kelly has confirmed that an American-made Mark 84 series bomb was used by Israel to target Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. Despite this revelation, the Israeli military has opted not to comment on the specific weapons employed in the strike.
Lastly, Yemen’s internal affairs remain volatile as the Houthi militia detained 428 individuals during the crackdown on the 62nd anniversary of the 1962 revolution, sparking condemnation from rights groups. This wave of detentions highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and the call for international pressure on the Houthis to respect citizens' freedoms.