Israel Strikes Yemen's Capital Sanaa, Death Toll Rises to 35

The Israeli military launched an offensive against the Yemeni city of Sanaa on Wednesday, targeting Houthi military sites and causing numerous casualties. According to Houthi-run media, the attack resulted in at least 35 deaths and 118 injuries, with the Yemeni Health Ministry warning that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to search for victims.

Background

This attack comes in the wake of a series of international bombings by Israel over the past week. These airstrikes targeted six countries, including Yemen, in response to a Houthi drone strike on Israel's Ramon Airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue these strikes, stating, “Anyone who strikes us, anyone who attacks us - we will reach them,” according to Middle East Eye.

The Attack on Sanaa

According to numerous sources including Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera English, and TASS, the Israeli attacks targeted Houthi military sites, the Houthi Defense Ministry, and other key locations in Sanaa. South China Morning Post reported that a fuel station and a government facility were also hit.

In addition to these, civilian and residential areas were also struck, causing extensive damage. The Yemeni armed forces confirm that exclusively civilian objects were shelled, said Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sarea. The Yemeni Health Ministry reported that homes in Sanaa’s al-Tahrir neighborhood, a medical facility, and a government compound in al-Jawf’s capital, al-Hazm, were among the sites hit.

International Reactions

The Israeli offensive has sparked international outcry. Countries like India, France, and Russia have condemned the strikes, with several news outlets reporting on the extensive damage caused. The New York Times highlighted Israel's multiple attacks on Houthi sites in northern Yemen, a day after its widely-criticized airstrike against Hamas officials on Qatari soil.

Conclusion

The conflict continues as Israel's military reports intercepting a ballistic missile launched from Yemen, following its airstrikes on Sanaa. The Israeli Air Force also reportedly intercepted three Houthi drones launched at southern Israel, just a day after a drone struck Ramon Airport.

The Israeli attack on Yemen marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, and the international community watches closely for further developments. As Prime Minister Netanyahu asserts that Israel will continue to strike back at any who attack them, the world waits to see the extent of this policy's implementation and the ramifications it may have on the stability of the Middle East.