Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, revealed he narrowly escaped death during an Israeli airstrike on Sana’a International Airport in Yemen. Speaking to Reuters on Saturday, Tedros described the harrowing experience.
“I was not sure I could survive because it was so close—just a few meters from where we were,” he said. “A slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit. There was no shelter at all, just exposure and uncertainty.”
The WHO chief expressed grave concern about the global state of affairs, urging world leaders to collaborate in resolving escalating conflicts. “I’ve never seen the world in such a dangerous state,” Tedros stressed, reflecting on the dire need for international peace.
Attack on Civilian Infrastructure
The Israeli airstrike, which occurred on Thursday, December 26, targeted Sana’a International Airport, a key civilian hub. Tedros and colleagues observed missile fragments amid the debris, further underscoring the destruction.
The airport, crucial for delivering humanitarian aid, serves the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, condemned the attack, emphasizing the airport’s importance for civilian and humanitarian operations.
Broader Implications
The airstrike has drawn significant criticism from humanitarian organizations. Attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian laws and hinder aid delivery to a region already suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Context of the Conflict
Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014, with devastating impacts on its population. Civilians bear the brunt of violence, as infrastructure, healthcare, and essential services face relentless attacks. The strike on Sana’a Airport adds to the challenges of providing aid in the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing need for global cooperation to protect civilians and ensure access to humanitarian aid. The world watches as tensions escalate, calling for urgent action to address the mounting crises.
