Israel strikes Yemen’s Hodeidah port and threatens blockade

Israel launched a series of overnight strikes on the port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, claiming the site is used by Houthi rebels to transport weapons. Both Israeli forces and Houthi-aligned media confirmed the attack on Tuesday. Hodeidah, a crucial hub for humanitarian aid deliveries in Yemen, was struck at two of its piers according to Houthi sources.

Shortly after the operation, the Israeli military acknowledged the attack, stating that navy ships had targeted seaports allegedly used by the Houthis for military activity. No casualties have been reported by either side.

Hodeidah, located along Yemen's western coast, is vital for delivering food and essential aid to millions affected by the country’s prolonged conflict since 2014. Israel accuses the Iran-backed Houthis of using the port for arms transfers, similar to previous accusations that led to Israeli airstrikes in May.

Before the strike, Israel warned civilians to leave ports in Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and as-Salif. The military action came hours after the Houthis fired a missile towards Israel that failed to reach its target. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel in support of Palestinians. In May, a Houthi ballistic missile struck the vicinity of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, causing a brief suspension of flights.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that continued Houthi attacks would trigger a severe response, including a potential aerial and naval blockade. This threat mirrors the blockade Israel imposed on Gaza in March, which severely restricted the entry of food and other essentials, deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations has criticized Israel for using aid as a weapon, calling Gaza "the hungriest place on earth" and warning that 2.3 million Palestinians face imminent famine.

Meanwhile, the Houthis had previously focused their efforts on targeting Red Sea shipping lanes, disrupting international trade. The United States responded with airstrikes in Yemen, killing at least 250 people before a temporary ceasefire was declared by then-President Donald Trump in early May. The truce, which halted attacks for two months, ended in March, catching Israel off-guard and prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assert that Israel would act independently to ensure its security.