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• December 25, 2024
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Israeli Airstrikes Target Yemen’s Rebel-Held Capital Following Rocket Attack on Tel Aviv

December 25, 2024 – The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, in response to a rocket attack on Tel Aviv. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions during a time traditionally observed as a period of peace. The rocket attack, claimed by the Houthi rebels, struck a residential area in Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people and causing widespread damage. Israeli authorities described the strike as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and vowed swift retaliation. Within hours, Israeli jets targeted key Houthi-controlled sites in Sanaa, including military installations, communication hubs, and weapons storage facilities. Preliminary reports from Yemen suggest that several people, including civilians, have been injured, though the extent of casualties remains unclear. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation late Tuesday, stating, “Israel will not tolerate attacks on its citizens. Our response will be firm and decisive to ensure the safety of our people and to send a clear message to those who threaten our security.” The Houthi rebels, who have been embroiled in a prolonged conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, claimed responsibility for the Tel Aviv attack, citing grievances over perceived Israeli support for Saudi operations in Yemen. They warned of further strikes if “external aggression” against Yemen continues. International leaders have expressed concern over the escalating conflict. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for “immediate de-escalation” and urged both sides to prioritize diplomacy over violence. The U.S. State Department also condemned the Houthi attack while urging restraint in Israel’s response. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms over the potential impact on Yemen, already suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. With limited access to healthcare, food, and clean water, any escalation in violence could exacerbate the dire conditions faced by millions. This latest confrontation highlights the complex and interconnected nature of conflicts in the Middle East, with local disputes often having far-reaching implications. Observers fear that if the situation spirals further, it could draw in other regional powers, adding to the instability. For now, the world watches anxiously as calls for peace grow louder, urging all parties to step back from the brink of a wider conflict.