Yemen’s Houthi rebels have promised retaliation against Israel for a deadly strike on Hodeida port amid regional fallout from the Gaza war. On Sunday, Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen and struck targets in Lebanon, as fighting was reported in southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington to secure a ceasefire in the nine-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Dozens have been killed in Gaza, with a major operation reported near Rafah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned of further attacks on Israel after a deadly drone strike on Tel Aviv. Israel’s Defense Minister warned of further operations if the Houthis attack again. In Hodeida, six people were killed, and fuel tanks were set ablaze in a port vital for rebel-held Yemen. Analysts say this strike will embolden the rebels who have resisted previous US and British strikes.
The Gaza war, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in many deaths and hostages. Israel vows to destroy Hamas as the conflict has left much of Gaza destroyed. Vaccination efforts against polio are underway as diseases spread. Israelis are demanding a deal to free remaining hostages, with protests staged ahead of Netanyahu’s meetings in the US.
