The Israeli navy attacked Yemen’s Hodeida, targeting docks essential for aid. This signifies Israel’s first direct military involvement with Houthis amid ongoing tensions. Activist Greta Thunberg among deported individuals from a Gaza aid ship, while local fatalities escalate due to military actions in Gaza, raising humanitarian concerns.
In a significant escalation, the Israeli navy attacked docks in Hodeida, a port city in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, on Tuesday. This operation marks the first direct military involvement of Israeli forces against the Houthis, who have consistently targeted Israel with missile and drone strikes, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The military confirmed missile ships conducted the strike, although details on the damage remain limited, raising concerns for humanitarian aid shipments.
The Houthis reported the strike via their al-Masirah channel, specifying that it was aimed at docks but provided little detail beyond that. This attack by Israel coincides with a broader conflict involving the Houthi missile attacks targeting Israel, which have increased parallel to the war in Gaza.
In related news, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that four passengers—including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg—were deported from Israel after their ship was seized while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The remaining eight detainees await judicial review and are expected to face deportation soon. The coalition condemned the detentions, arguing they were unlawful.
Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Ministry stated the remains of Nattapong Pinta, a laborer kidnapped by Hamas, will be returned to Thailand. Israel reported that Pinta was taken during an attack on October 7 and his remains were recovered in a military operation in southern Gaza over the weekend.
Sergio Toribio, another activist who was aboard the seized ship, returned to Barcelona, vocally criticizing Israel’s actions and calling the interception a “pirate attack” in international waters. He mentioned they were on a peaceful mission, merely delivering supplies.
Regarding the military activities in the region, Israel intercepted a projectile launched from the northern Gaza Strip that triggered air raid sirens but thankfully resulted in no casualties. It seems the frequency of rocket fire from Gaza has diminished, likely due to the effectiveness of Israel’s military campaigns against Hamas.
On the humanitarian front, Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces opened fire on individuals near a food distribution point in central Gaza, resulting in three deaths and more than 130 injuries. This incident underlines the critical humanitarian situation, as many regions are nearing famine levels due to the blockade and warfare conditions.
Additionally, reports emerged that about 130 people have died in various shooting incidents at aid distribution sites related to a new Israeli-U.S.-backed organization, highlighting severe security concerns at these locations. Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denounced these shootings and emphasized there has been no violence directly linked to their aid operations, urging people to stick to designated routes.
In a parallel situation involving detained French activists from the same Gaza-bound ship, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that one detainee has signed an expulsion order while others await court rulings. These individuals were transferred to a detention center in Ramle and have received consular visits.
Greta Thunberg, now being deported from Israel, was one of the passengers on the Madleen ship carrying aid to Gaza. Israel’s military states that these ships violate restrictions on Gaza’s naval blockade, deepening the tensions surrounding freedom of movement and humanitarian efforts in the region.
The situation escalates in Yemen and Gaza, following Israel’s naval attack in Hodeida—marking their first direct action against the Houthis. Amidst this, activist deportations from Israel have stirred international reactions, alongside continuing humanitarian crises due to warfare and blockades. Rockets from Gaza are declining, yet the impact of military conflict on civilians grows dire, punctuated by recent shootings at aid distribution sites. Concerns over humanitarian access and military actions remain heightened as tensions continue.
Original Source: www.lakeonews.com
