Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen early Monday, hitting three major ports and a power station in the western province of Hodeidah. The Israeli military claimed the attacks were in response to Houthi missile fire, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.
The bombardment affected Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif ports, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant, disrupting electricity supplies and halting food and fuel distribution across parts of western Yemen. According to Reuters, Israeli forces issued evacuation warnings to civilians before the strikes.
Houthis resist, missiles fired at Israel
Shortly after the Israeli raids, Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement—commonly known as the Houthis—launched a volley of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israeli territory. While the Israeli army claimed most were intercepted, explosions were reported near Ashkelon and around Ben Gurion International Airport. That Israeli officials referred to the attacks as “precision strikes on military infrastructure.”
Local authorities in Hodeidah confirmed that the strikes disrupted essential services, including fuel distribution and port activity. According to AP News, the attack follows an incident involving the Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, which came under assault in the Red Sea and was later abandoned by its crew. No fatalities were reported, and Houthi involvement has not been independently confirmed.
Targeting of Galaxy Leader draws criticism
One of the Israeli targets was the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized by the Houthis in 2023 and anchored at Hodeidah port. Israel alleged that the ship was being used for surveillance operations, though these claims remain unverified. ABC News reported that the Israeli Air Force directly targeted the vessel, raising concerns among legal observers about proportionality and international maritime law.
The strikes, which included both military and civilian infrastructure, have worsened humanitarian conditions in Yemen. These actions have drawn international attention due to their timing and strategic targets.
Russia, UN and Arab states condemn Israeli actions
Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the Israeli assault as “reckless and provocative,” accusing Western powers of ignoring humanitarian violations. In a statement quoted by The Eastern Herald, Moscow warned that continued attacks on Yemen could derail ceasefire negotiations with Iran and increase instability across the region.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg expressed concern that infrastructure strikes could endanger civilians and undermine international law. CNN reported that UN officials fear the violence may stall diplomatic progress between Israel and Iran, where Qatar has played a mediating role.
Multiple Arab capitals, including Doha and Algiers, issued statements condemning the strikes. Even Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council—typically at odds with the Houthis—joined in calling for an end to Israeli operations.
Economic fallout ripples through Red Sea corridor
The global economic impact of the strikes was immediate. According to The Guardian, Brent crude oil prices jumped more than 3% after news of the strikes, surpassing $92 per barrel. Maritime insurers raised war-risk premiums by nearly 30%, and shipping companies including Maersk and CMA CGM began rerouting vessels away from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
By targeting port infrastructure and energy facilities, the Israeli strikes have triggered ripple effects throughout the Red Sea corridor, further straining commercial routes between Asia and Europe. Analysts warn that this escalation could deepen regional economic fragmentation and increase shipping costs globally.
Ceasefire diplomacy at risk as Trump, Netanyahu meet
The strikes occurred shortly before a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington. The timing of the attacks has prompted renewed scrutiny over the role of US support in Israel’s broader military strategy, particularly as talks with Iran continue in Doha and Vienna.
While Washington has reiterated its commitment to Israel’s security, diplomatic sources in Ankara and Algiers warned that continued military escalation could sabotage ceasefire negotiations and inflame broader regional tensions.
The strikes on Yemen’s critical ports and power grid underscore a widening conflict that risks engulfing multiple fronts. With no signs of de-escalation, the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences continue to mount.
