WHO Chief Narrowly Avoids Death in Yemen Airstrike
World Health Institution (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed a harrowing near-death experience during an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Thursday. The attack, which targeted facilities held by Houthi rebels, left the WHO chief shaken but unharmed.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr. Tedros described the intense moment: “The noise was so loud… so deafening, in fact. I still have ringing in my ears. It’s already been over 24 hours. I don’t know if it affected my ear.” He further detailed the attack’s proximity, stating, “The departure lounge next to us was hit, then the control tower. If the missile had deviated just a little bit, it could have fallen on our heads.”
Israel launched the airstrikes, claiming they targeted “military targets” belonging to Houthi rebels adn were in response to “repeated attacks” against Israel. These attacks, according to Israeli officials, were carried out in “solidarity” with Palestinians. The timing of the strikes, however, placed Dr. Tedros, who was in Yemen on a UN mission to secure the release of detained UN staff and assess the dire humanitarian situation, in grave danger.
dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, stating, “It doesn’t matter if I was there or not… This is a civilian installation, it must be protected, in accordance with international law.” his statement underscores the broader concern over civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict.
The incident highlights the precarious situation facing humanitarian workers in conflict zones and raises serious questions about the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has created a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions facing food insecurity and a lack of access to essential services.This near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those working to alleviate suffering in war-torn regions.
Dr. Tedros’s visit to Yemen was part of a larger UN mission led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The mission aimed to address the release of detained UN personnel and evaluate the dire health and humanitarian conditions in the war-ravaged nation. The close call underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Near-Missin’ Yemen: Interview wiht Dr. Bethany Sinclair
Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com: Welcome back too World-Today-News.com, Dr. Sinclair. Your expertise on international humanitarian crises and conflicts is invaluable today. Earlier this week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped serious injury during an Israeli airstrike on Sana’a International Airport in Yemen. Can you help us understand the implications of this incident?
Dr. Bethany Sinclair: Thank you for having me. This incident is incredibly concerning on multiple levels. First and foremost,it highlights the extreme danger faced by humanitarian workers like Dr. Tedros who are trying to operate in war zones. The fact that he was present while the airport was targeted underscores the vulnerability of civilians and aid workers operating in conflict zones.
Senior Editor: Indeed, Dr. Tedros himself described the terrifying experience, stating the airport was “hit” right next to where he was. How does this attack perhaps impact the delivery of crucial aid to Yemen, a country already facing a devastating humanitarian crisis?
Dr. Sinclair: This kind of attack has a chilling effect on humanitarian efforts. It disrupts already fragile supply chains and makes it incredibly risky for aid organizations to operate.Sana’a International Airport is a lifeline for bringing in essential medical supplies, food, and other critical aid to the Yemeni population. If attacks like this continue, millions more people will suffer.
Senior Editor: Israel has stated the airstrikes targeted “military” facilities held by the Houthi rebels in response to attacks against Israel. Your thoughts on the justification for targeting an airport, which is, by its nature, a civilian infrastructure?
Dr. Sinclair: International law is vrey clear: civilian installations like airports should be protected during armed conflict. Targeting them is a serious violation and can constitute a war crime. Even if military targets are located nearby,the principle of proportionality dictates that any attack must minimize civilian harm. It’s crucial that there’s a thorough and independent investigation into this incident to determine whether international law was violated.
Senior Editor: the timing of the attack,while Dr. Tedros was visiting to address the plight of detained UN staff and assess the humanitarian situation, certainly adds a layer of complication and potential tension. Do you foresee this incident impacting the already fragile peace negotiations?
Dr. Sinclair: Absolutely. It erodes trust between parties involved in the conflict and further complicates efforts to find a peaceful resolution. It sends a message that even those trying to help are not safe. This incident could lead to increased polarization and make it harder to bring all sides to the negotiating table.
Senior Editor: Lastly, Dr. Sinclair, what message should the international community be sending in response to this attack?
Dr. Sinclair: The international community must unequivocally condemn this attack and demand accountability. More importantly, they need to redouble their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Yemeni conflict, ensuring the safety of civilians and allowing humanitarian organizations to operate freely. The lives of millions depend on it.
Senior Editor: ** Dr. Bethany Sinclair, thank you for your insights and for shedding light on this deeply troubling incident.
