Israeli airstrikes in Yemen struck on Thursday, targeting the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and other key locations, coinciding with the World Health Organization (WHO) director-general’s presence nearby. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that the attacks occurred just meters away from him as he prepared to board a flight, resulting in the injury of one crew member. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros stated on social media, adding that the team was safe but would require a damage assessment before leaving Yemen.

The Israeli military confirmed they were unaware of the WHO delegation's presence during the strikes. According to reports, at least three individuals were killed and many others injured in the airport strike. A U.N. spokesperson later confirmed that the crew member’s injuries were being treated at a local hospital. The attacks followed a series of Houthi missile launches toward Israel, prompting the Israeli army to intercept threats before they reached Israeli airspace, intensifying tensions in the region.

This escalation of hostilities came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Houthis that they "too will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah learned," indicating a broader military strategy against Iran-backed groups. The airstrikes targeted infrastructures purportedly used for military activities, asserting that these facilities were essential for smuggling Iranian weapons and facilitating Iranian influences within the region. The significant airstrikes raised concerns from the United Nations regarding their impact on humanitarian access in Yemen, already one of the world’s most impoverished nations plagued by ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, within the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an Israeli military operation in Gaza led to another tragic incident as five Palestinian journalists were killed in a strike outside Al-Awda Hospital. The Israeli military claimed these individuals were militants disguised as reporters, igniting further outrage amid an already tense atmosphere for those covering the conflict. Notably, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported that over 130 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the beginning of the current warfare.

The humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict has been severe. Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicate that Israel's air and ground operations have claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Palestinians to date, with estimates suggesting the majority of these casualties are civilians, including women and children. Concurrently, Israeli military operations have also faced significant losses, with 389 soldiers reported dead since the escalation of ground operations.

The conflict which reignited with the Hamas-led offensive on October 7, 2023, has led to widespread displacement and devastation among the civilian population, with approximately 90% of the local populace displaced and seeking refuge in makeshift camps. In the midst of these hostilities, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence as "deeply alarming," calling for de-escalation and emphasizing the need for humanitarian access in both Yemen and Gaza.

The escalation in violence underscores the complex tableau of regional hostilities and the desperate humanitarian needs, prompting urgent calls from international bodies for ceasefire and peace negotiations. For more detailed coverage on this topic, visit CBS News and AP News.