War Crime Accusations: Israeli Airstrikes Devastate Yemen's Lifeline Port

On August 19, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port last month might constitute a war crime due to their indiscriminate or disproportionate nature, which targeted civilians. The airstrikes, conducted on July 20, were in retaliation for a Houthi drone attack that struck Tel Aviv, Israel's economic hub, killing one person—a strike that HRW also suggested could be considered a war crime.

The Israeli airstrikes targeted oil facilities, a power station, and other infrastructure near Hodeidah, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuring at least 80. The attacks damaged over two dozen oil storage tanks, two shipping cranes, and a power plant in Salif district. HRW emphasized that these strikes caused significant harm to civilians and civilian objects, violating the laws of war. Satellite imagery showed that the oil tanks burned for at least three days, raising environmental concerns.

Hodeidah, under Houthi control since 2021, is crucial for the delivery of food and other necessities to Yemen, as it handles 70% of the country’s commercial imports and 80% of its humanitarian aid. The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel in response to its assault on Gaza, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Since the Gaza conflict began, Israel claims to have intercepted many of the 200 attacks launched by the Houthis, though most were not deadly.

The situation intensified after a rare Houthi drone strike on July 19 hit Tel Aviv, leading Israel to announce its first airstrikes against the group the following day.
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