In a recent development, Israel has reportedly carried out airstrikes on the Sanaa airport in Yemen, just as the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was preparing to board a plane at the airport. The Washington Post reported that the airstrikes occurred on Wednesday, targeting the airport’s runway and causing damage to the facility.
The timing of the airstrikes has raised concerns as they coincided with the WHO chief’s planned visit to Yemen to assess the country’s healthcare system and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to reports, Ghebreyesus was unharmed and his visit was not canceled, although he was forced to delay his departure due to the attack.
Yemen has been mired in a devastating civil war since 2014, with Saudi Arabia leading a coalition in support of the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels. The conflict has led to widespread devastation, including the collapse of the healthcare system and a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airstrike on the airport has drawn criticism from international organizations, with the WHO calling for the protection of healthcare facilities and personnel in conflict zones. The incident highlights the challenges faced by aid workers and healthcare professionals operating in war-torn countries, where they are at risk of being caught in the crossfire.
As the situation in Yemen remains precarious, the international community has been urged to step up efforts to aid the country’s population and bring an end to the conflict. In the meantime, the WHO chief’s visit to assess the healthcare situation in Yemen serves as a reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the country.
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