**Israel Conducts Airstrikes on Houthi Positions in Yemen Amid Ongoing Tensions**

The operation follows heightened attacks from Houthi rebels on Israel, with significant implications for humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

Israel's military has recently executed targeted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, impacting key ports like Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Saif. This escalation unfolds shortly after Israeli officials issued evacuation orders for civilians in those regions due to anticipated air strikes. The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed on social media that the operation, dubbed "Operation Black Flag," aimed at critical Houthi-controlled assets, including a power station and a commercial vessel seized by the rebels two years ago.

Local news sources from Houthi-controlled media reported confirmed strikes in Hudaydah, though they did not offer specifics regarding the extent of any damage or casualties. Katz issued a stern warning, stating that the Houthis "will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions," signifying a direct link between the fate of Yemen and broader Iranian regional ambitions.

Since the beginning of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war, Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have shown increased aggression, launching missiles towards Israel and targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea. The Israeli Air Force responded to these provocations by asserting that the strikes were necessary to counter "repeated attacks" against Israeli citizens and to disrupt weapon transfers meant for terrorist operations.

In the aftermath of the Israeli strikes, Houthi officials claimed their air defence systems had engaged Israeli aircraft, demonstrating a persistent defensive posture. Among the key targets was the Galaxy Leader, a commercial ship hijacked by Houthi forces in late 2023, which Israel claimed was being utilized for surveillance of maritime traffic in international waters. The strikes also affected the Ras Kanatib power station, crucial for supplying electricity to the vital cities of Ibb and Taizz.

This recent offensive signals an intensified military focus on Hudaydah, a critical humanitarian gateway for millions of Yemenis. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation amidst military confrontations, as ports become battlegrounds rather than conduits for aid. The ramifications of these strikes further complicate an already fraught landscape, with the potential to significantly affect the lives of civilians struggling in Yemen's protracted crisis.