• Israel's navy has conducted missile strikes on Hodeida, a key port city in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels.
• The attacks target facilities allegedly used for military purposes amidst ongoing missile threats from the Houthis.
• The Houthi response includes a vow to continue military operations against Israel, asserting that the attacks do not impact their morale.

Israel's navy has launched unprecedented strikes on Hodeida, Yemen's rebel-held port city, targeting facilities crucial for humanitarian aid. The Israeli military claims that these strikes are aimed at halting the Houthi use of the port for military purposes, particularly amid ongoing missile attacks directed at Israel from Houthi forces since the start of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that navy missile ships executed the attacks, marking the first direct action by naval forces against the Houthis, and emphasized the need for immediate evacuation of the port areas, citing their use for weapon transfers. The strikes reportedly resulted in significant smoke and damage to the port facilities without immediate casualties being reported, as indicated by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

In response, Houthi officials vowed to maintain their military operations against Israel and claimed that Israel's strikes would not affect their morale or operational capabilities. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to support Gaza, dismissing any significant impact from the Israeli attack on Hodeida. This stance highlights a continuing conflict wherein Houthi forces use maritime threats against international shipping in the Red Sea, as reported by Newsweek and BBC.

The situation in Hodeida raises serious concerns for international humanitarian aid efforts, as it serves as the primary entry point for food and supplies for millions of Yemenis. Amidst the ongoing war in Yemen, which began when the Houthis seized control of significant regions in 2014, the recent uptick in military engagements complicates an already dire humanitarian crisis, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.