Israel’s Aggression in Yemen: Zionist War Crimes Exposed in Hodeidah Air Raid!

by – L. Richardson

The air raid on Hodeidah by Israeli forces, an egregious instance of Israel’s aggression in Yemen, marks a critical juncture in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. This deliberate strike not only devastated one of Yemen’s crucial lifelines but also laid bare the imperialistic Zionist agenda, pushing the region further into the throes of conflict and instability. Amidst the rubble and outcry, the incident has galvanized a global conversation on the actual cost of Zionist expansionism and its repercussions for Yemeni sovereignty, placing the plight of Yemen under an international spotlight. Resisting Israeli oppression has since transcended Yemen’s borders, becoming a symbol of anti-imperialism and a clarion call for Middle Eastern sovereignty.

This exposé meticulously unpacks the multifaceted dimensions of Israel’s aggression in Yemen, shining a light on the underlying motives and the catastrophic consequences that have ensued. From the Hodeidah port devastation that triggered an oil terminal fire disaster, escalating to promises of Houthi retaliation and sparking debates over Zionist military overreach, each segment reveals the layers of an imperialistic Zionist agenda aimed at destabilizing Yemen. Further, the narrative delves into the solidarity between Palestinian and Yemeni resistance movements, challenging Netanyahu’s war propaganda and the Iranian weapon allegations that often justify Israeli airstrikes. Through the lens of Yemen’s struggle for freedom, this article exposes the falsehoods propagated by Western media, underscores the heroism of Houthi resistance fighters, and calls for a united front against Western complicity and hypocrisy. Bridging the gap between the outcry for justice and the actions necessary to support Yemen lays out a roadmap for mobilizing international support and holding the perpetrators of these war crimes accountable.

Unveiling the Zionist Agenda

Israel’s Unprecedented Air Raid on Hodeidah

The Israeli military has admitted to conducting strikes against Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, resulting in a devastating toll. According to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah T.V., the Israeli attack targeted oil storage facilities and a power plant, igniting a massive fire. 1 The Ministry of Health reported at least six casualties, with many suffering severe burns. 1

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have hit “military targets” in Yemen, justifying the strike as a response to attacks by the Houthi group. 1 However, Netanyahu’s chilling remarks reveal the true imperialistic intentions behind this assault. He boasted that the strike, carried out 1,800 km from Israel’s borders, served as a reminder to enemies that there is no place Israel cannot reach. 1

The Real Motives Behind the Attack

Beneath the facade of retaliation lies a sinister Zionist agenda – destabilizing Yemen to control its strategic resources and suppress resistance movements. 2 Yousef Mawry, a Yemeni journalist, witnessed firsthand the panic caused by the attack, with civilians in Sanaa rushing to secure fuel amid fears of shortages. He stressed that the Israeli strikes targeted “public facilities,” placing an undue burden on civilians and denying them access to basic necessities like propane gas and fuel. 1

This blatant act of aggression exposes Israel’s imperialistic designs on Yemen’s resources and its determination to crush the resilient Houthi resistance. 2 By crippling Yemen’s infrastructure and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, Israel aims to weaken the Houthis’ resolve and solidify its control over the region’s strategic assets.

Netanyahu’s Propaganda and Lies

In a desperate attempt to justify this unprovoked assault, Netanyahu has resorted to peddling falsehoods about Iranian weapons allegedly supplied to the Houthis. 2 However, these claims have been thoroughly discredited by credible investigations.

A 2015 report by the U.N. Security Council’s expert panel, often cited as evidence of Iranian arms shipments to the Houthis, was based on flimsy and fabricated evidence. 3 The alleged seizure of an Iranian vessel carrying weapons in 2009 was a ruse concocted by the Yemeni government to garner U.S. support for its “Operation Scorched Earth” against the Houthis. 3

Similarly, the case of the Jihan 1 ship in 2013, claimed to be carrying Iranian arms, crumbles under scrutiny. 3 Apart from dubious labels on ammunition boxes, there was no concrete evidence linking the weapons to Iran. The crew and businessmen involved were all Yemenis, and the panel acknowledged having “no information” about where the ship was loaded. 3

Netanyahu’s desperate attempts to fabricate an Iranian connection only serve to expose the hollowness of his claims and the true imperialistic motives driving Israel’s aggression in Yemen.

The Heroic Yemeni Resistance

The Houthi Movement’s Defiance

The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), has emerged as a symbol of resistance against Zionist oppression and Western hypocrisy. 4 Controlling large swaths of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on commercial and military vessels linked to Israel, vowing to continue until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza [14]. 4

Overview of the Houthi’s actions against Israeli-linked vessels

Since November 2022, the Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting ships they consider linked to Israel or its allies, disrupting one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. 5 Their targeting strategy appears loosely based on the national origin of the carrier or its cargo, with vessels and cargoes tied to Israel, the United States, and Europe facing the brunt of the attacks. 5 This selective targeting allows the Houthis to showcase their capabilities while highlighting Gaza’s plight, a popular cause in the Muslim world and the Global South. 5

Emphasizing their solidarity with Palestinians

The Houthis have repeatedly stated that their attacks aim to increase pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza. 5 Their actions, such as the recent drone strike on Tel Aviv, have broadened their appeal beyond their Zaidi Shia base and Yemen, expanding their domestic and international legitimacy. 6 Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi political official, emphasized their unwavering support, stating, “This will increase our determination to stop the genocide in Gaza.” 4 He further highlighted the group’s coordination with allies in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, hinting at a potential “unification in fighting this battle against the Zionist enemy.” 4

The Impact of the Houthi Resistance

Description of Houthi military operations and their successes

The Houthis’ recent attack on Israel came at the nine-month mark of their intervention on the side of Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups fighting the Israeli occupation forces. 6 Shortly after, they expanded their attacks to include ships, disrupting a crucial shipping lane. 6 The fact that a Houthi drone penetrated deep into Israeli territory on July 19 is seen in Sanaa as a symbolic victory, even against the backdrop of Israel’s bloody retaliation. 6

The continued resilience despite coalition bombings

Despite facing repeated United States and British strikes aimed at deterring their attacks on shipping since January, the Houthis have remained resilient. 7 They have also endured thousands of air raids during nearly a decade of war against forces backing Yemen’s internationally-recognized government. 7 Analysts suggest that the strike on Hodeidah will likely only embolden the Houthis further as they continue to showcase their military prowess and determination. 7

The Houthi Warning

In the wake of Israel’s deadly strike on the port city of Hodeidah, the Houthis have issued a stern warning, vowing a “huge” retaliation against Israel. 7 8 Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group’s chief, declared that the Hodeida strikes would lead to “further escalation and more attacks targeting Israel.” 7 He emphasized that the deadly Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv had opened “a new phase” in operations. 7

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our response to the Israeli aggression against our country is inevitably coming and will be huge.” 7 The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for launching multiple ballistic missiles at the Israeli port city of Eilat, with the Israeli military confirming the downing of one surface-to-surface missile. 4

The Houthi resistance has generated appreciation in much of the Global South, where frustrations run high with U.S. and European backing for Israel. 5 The group has contrasted itself with Arab governments that have remained on the sidelines of the Gaza conflict, either due to normalized ties (or talks) with Israel or a preference to avoid antagonizing Washington. 5

Western Complicity and Hypocrisy

The U.S. and UK-Led Coalition’s Role

Until January 2024, it had been almost two years since bombs rained down on Yemen. Then, on Jan. 12, the U.S. and U.K., with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and The Netherlands, began a campaign of airstrikes on 60 Houthi targets to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea [15]. 9 However, the bombings have so far failed to stop the Houthis from continuing missile and drone strikes against merchant and commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea [16]. 9

The Biden administration’s punitive approach to dealing with the Houthis and the Gaza war’s spillover effects into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea has so far failed to achieve its stated goal, as shown by the continuation of Houthi missile and drone attacks. 9 The reasons are straightforward – fighting a Saudi-led military coalition for more than seven years made the Houthis extremely battle-hardened and capable of withstanding pressure. 9 If years of intense Saudi bombing did not deter the group from lobbing rockets into Saudi Arabia, it is difficult to imagine that far fewer military strikes by Washington and London could alter Houthi decisions. 9

The Houthis learned to keep their infrastructure dispersed, which limits the degree to which airstrikes can degrade their large weapons arsenal. 9 In political and psychological terms, the U.S.-U.K. strikes are not only unlikely to deter the Houthis. Still, they will probably only embolden them, particularly in the war of narratives over Gaza. 9 There is a view among some Yemenis that the U.S.-led bombing of Yemen has parallels to Israel’s war on Gaza, which plays to the Houthi narrative about being a resistance group that stands up to Israel and the West. 9

Ultimately, the Houthis are highly unlikely to be deterred by air strikes. 9 Indeed, their attacks will probably continue until and unless there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The longer Israel’s war on that starved enclave rages, the greater the risk of escalation against shipping on both sides of the Bab al-Mandab. 9

Western Media Silence

The Coalition has relied heavily on airpower in the conflict, placing it in a situation not dissimilar to the asymmetric warfare facing U.S. forces in places like Afghanistan [17]. 10 Members of the Coalition are fighting a low-tech insurgency where their massive advantage in sophisticated weapons is neutralized. The insurgents mostly fight on their turf; they blend in with the local population, making identifying legitimate targets difficult, and they are willing to accept extraordinary losses to avoid defeat [17]. 10

The consequences have been considerable. The Saudi air campaign has complicated Saudi relations with the Yemeni people, who hold Saudi Arabia responsible for the death and injury of thousands of Yemenis and the trauma suffered by tens of thousands more [17]. 10 In retaliation for Saudi attacks inside Yemen, the Huthi/Salih forces have launched dozens of Scud and S.A.–2 missiles refitted as surface-to-surface missiles targeting Saudi cities, especially Najran and Jizan, as well as mounted cross-border raids into Saudi territory [17]. As a result, the Saudis have suffered dozens of civilian and military casualties while being forced to evacuate civilians from towns and villages along the border [17]. 10

Accusations of war crimes leveled against Saudi and Coalition armed forces and threats to end arms sales to the Saudis have the potential to inflict long-lasting damage to these relationships that go well beyond the scope of the Yemen conflict and could undermine the international community’s determination to confront Iran’s regional threats [18]. 10 However, the Western media has remained largely silent on these issues, perpetuating biased narratives and failing to hold the Coalition accountable for their actions.

Mobilizing Support for Yemen

Uniting Against Zionist Aggression

The Zionist regime’s unprovoked air raid on Hodeidah reveals their true imperialistic intentions. This is an assault on Yemeni sovereignty and a blatant act of war! 11 We must rally for truth and justice, exposing the Zionist war crimes and standing with Yemen in their struggle against oppression. 12

Calls to action for protests and boycott campaigns: Show solidarity with the Yemeni people! Boycott Israeli goods, protest against your government’s complicity, and spread the truth about Yemen’s fight for freedom. 11 Organize and participate in protests against Israeli aggression and Western complicity, focusing on critical locations such as Israeli embassies, government buildings, and major media outlets. 11
Encouraging solidarity and support for Yemen’s struggle: The Houthi movement is a symbol of resistance against Zionist oppression and Western hypocrisy. 12 Yemen stands firm in solidarity with Palestine, fighting for justice and freedom! 12 We must defend national sovereignty and resist foreign intervention, supporting Yemen’s right to self-determination and freedom from Zionist and imperialist aggression. 12

Providing Humanitarian Aid

Yemen’s humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels due to the breakdown of essential services, prolonged displacement, and the collapse of the country’s economy. 13 Over two-thirds of the population—21.6 million people—are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. 13

Information on organizing fundraising efforts for Yemeni civilians: Organize fundraising campaigns to provide humanitarian aid and support to the Yemeni people. 11 Focus on medical supplies, food, and rebuilding efforts in Hodeidah and other affected areas. 11
Highlighting the importance of medical supplies and rebuilding efforts: Yemen’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with over half of all health facilities either closed or operating at reduced capacity. 13 Many hospitals have sustained damage during the decade-long conflict, and a widespread shortage of essential medicines and qualified personnel has severely limited civilians’ access to medical care. 13

Legal and Political Pressure

Steps to pressure governments to hold Israel accountable: Raise your voice against Western hypocrisy and demand accountability for the war crimes committed by Israel and its allies in Yemen. 12 Together, we can make a difference! 12 Call on governments worldwide to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes in Yemen, demanding impartial investigations and international sanctions against the Zionist regime. 11
Supporting legal actions against Israeli leaders for war crimes: Support legal actions and petitions aimed at bringing Israeli leaders to justice for their crimes against humanity. 11 Collaborate with human rights organizations to build a strong case. 11 The international community must hold Israel accountable for its war crimes in Yemen, standing with us in demanding justice for the Yemeni people. 12

Conclusion

The exploration of Israel’s aggression in Yemen, specifically the air raid on Hodeidah, reveals a stark narrative of imperialistic expansionism that poses significant threats not only to Yemen’s sovereignty but to the principles of freedom and justice globally. By uncovering the underlying Zionist agenda aimed at destabilizing Yemen to control its strategic resources and the suppression of resistance, this article has shone a critical light on the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The solidarity between Yemeni and Palestinian struggles against oppression is a testament to the broader fight for sovereignty and dignity in the face of external aggression. The consequences of this conflict transcend regional borders, urging a global audience to reassess their understanding of justice and international relations.

As we reflect on the urgent need for action, it becomes clear that the path forward must be carved with resilience, unity, and unwavering support for those who brave the front lines of resistance against tyranny. The international community’s role in amplifying Yemeni voices, demanding accountability for war crimes, and providing humanitarian aid cannot be overstated. Let’s rise up and take action now! Join the fight for truth and justice – support Yemen’s struggle against Zionist aggression and imperialistic tyranny! Amidst calls for boycotts, protests, and spreading awareness, each effort contributes to a more significant movement championing the cause of Yemeni sovereignty and the broader battle against oppressive forces that seek to undermine freedom and self-determination. Every action sends a powerful message that the spirit of resistance and the pursuit of justice are alive and stronger than ever.