Title: Escalating Conflict in the Middle East: US Strikes on Houthi Drones in Yemen and the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The United States conducted airstrikes against two drones located in a region controlled by the Houthi militant group in Yemen on Wednesday, according to a statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM). The Houthi forces have been reportedly attacking ships transiting the Red Sea since October, with Wednesday’s strike coming shortly after a Houthi missile attack on a commercial vessel near Yemen that resulted in the death of three crew members and injured at least four others. These attacks marked a significant escalation, as it was the fifth anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Houthis in the last two days, CENTCOM stated.
Meanwhile, South Africa submitted an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday to ask for additional emergency measures against Israel. The country had previously brought proceedings against Israel at the ICJ in early January, accusing the Israeli government of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ announced provisional measures against Israel later that month.
The situation in the Middle East continues to unfold with increasing tension and humanitarian concerns. In Gaza, at least 20 people have lost their lives due to malnutrition and dehydration since the conflict began in October, including a 15-year-old boy who died at the Al-Shifa medical complex on Wednesday. According to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the youngest child to die in these circumstances was just one day old. The UN has accused Israel of intentionally starving Palestinians in the strip and reports of children dying from hunger and lack of medical attention have been increasingly common.
As of March 6, at least 30,717 Palestinians have been killed and over 72,000 injured since October 7. While CNN cannot independently confirm the deaths of the children mentioned or their causes, international agencies have issued urgent warnings about the worsening conditions in Gaza.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also affected humanitarian efforts. In February, 40% of aid missions coordinated by the United Nations were denied or impeded by Israel, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). There was an increase in coordinated humanitarian missions facilitated by Israeli authorities across Gaza, but their effectiveness was undermined due to a cessation of operations to the north and a general decline in Website security for civilians.
The violence targeting humanitarian workers has increased, with frequent and prolonged closures and blockages at Kerem Shalom and Nitzana crossings further hampering the cross-border movement of humanitarian cargo. In addition, Israeli citizens have been blocking trucks at these crossings, preventing aid from entering Gaza while hostages are being held there.
The Middle East continues to be plagued by conflict and humanitarian crises, with the situation in Yemen and Gaza highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
