Strikes and Struggles: The Multidimensional Impact of the Israeli Airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeida Sea Port

   The recent Israeli attacks and airstrikes on the Port of Hodeida are exacerbating the humanitarian suffering and economic difficulties faced by Yemeni citizens due to a nearly decade-long war. The Israeli strike targeted the Port of Hodeida, an oil refinery, fuel tanks, and the Ras Kathib power station, following the Houthis' announcement that they were responsible for a drone attack on Tel Aviv. According to sources from Sheba Intelligence, the losses resulting from the Israeli airstrike are estimated at approximately a quarter of a billion dollars, most of which is attributed to the fuel stored in the Houthis' strategic reserves. Some reports indicate that two-thirds of the strategic fuel reserves in the Port of Hodeida, estimated at 150,000 metric tons, were burned in the Israeli strike, leaving only about one-third, or 50,000 metric tons, remaining.

Hodeida: An Economic Lifeline

Hodeida is a significant maritime gateway for Yemen on the Red Sea and has recently been used by the Houthis as a center for their economy and attacks on commercial ships. Hodeida is located approximately 226 kilometers from the capital, Sana'a, and spans an area of about 18,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of Kuwait. It ranks second among Yemeni governorates in terms of population density, following Taiz. Hodeida has three ports: Hodeida, Ras Issa, and Salif, through which the majority of imports and relief aid for war-affected people access. With a coastline of 300 km, Hodeida is one of Yemen's most important governorates for fisheries, ports, and fishery installations, in addition to housing food and consumer goods factories for the private sector. The economic attributes of Hodeida and the significant financial revenues the Houthis collect from port taxes, customs, and industrial facilities have made it a contentious area with the government, which was prevented from military intervention in 2018 for humanitarian reasons cited by the international community.

Human and Economic Losses

In addition to the economic and infrastructure cost, the Israeli airstrikes on Hodeida Governorate have resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injuries to 83 others, most of whom have sustained severe injuries. Additionally, three people are still missing, according to estimates released by Houthi authorities. The fires have consumed oil storage facilities, causing significant damage to the energy sector in Hodeida. The attack has paralyzed the movement of goods at the port, Yemen’s second-largest port and a critical entry point for humanitarian aid for civilians, for at least two days. This port is crucial for providing more than 70% of Yemen's food needs.

Sources report that the damage to energy infrastructure is substantial, with around 17 fuel storage facilities attacked, in addition to the targeting of old cranes used for unloading goods from ships to the dock. This threatens to incapacitate the port, especially if it faces another attack.

Humanitarian Consequences

The recent Israeli airstrikes have halted and disrupted operations at the port, which is the lifeline for areas under the control of the Houthi Ansar Allah group. This will lead to a surge in prices, especially fuel prices, and damage to the port. The destruction of the Ras Kathib power station will create an energy crisis, negatively impacting people's lives in the hot Tehama region and causing significant economic and material damage due to the disruption of many vital facilities in the city, including health facilities.

Furthermore, the disabling of approximately one-third of the fuel storage facilities will expose Yemenis to a fuel crisis and increased prices, which are already high. The full impact of the strike may not be felt until the current oil reserves are depleted.

Houthi Threat and Official Condemnation

The top leader of the Houthi group, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, described the Israeli attack on Hodeida port as a "targeting of the Yemeni economy," stating that his group has moved to the fifth stage by launching a drone towards Tel Aviv. He added, "We are very pleased with the direct battle between us and the Israeli enemy. One of the benefits of these events is that they expose the hypocrites." He re-affirmed on the coordination with what he called the "Al-Aqsa Axis" and "Support Fronts," declaring: "We are continuing in this battle stronger than ever before, with capabilities constantly developing to meet challenges. The Israeli enemy is the loser and will never regain deterrence, and our operations will continue."

The internationally recognized Yemeni government condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Hodeida port, describing them as a violation of Yemen's sovereignty. The government held what it referred to as the "Zionist entity" responsible for the attack's repercussions, which it claimed exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and worsened the damage caused by Houthi attacks on oil facilities and international shipping lanes. The Yemeni government argued that the Israeli attack strengthened the Houthi group's position and warned the Iranian regime and the Zionist entity against turning Yemeni territory into a theater for futile wars.

The National Coalition of Yemeni Political Parties also condemned what it called the "Zionist entity's aggression and its blatant violation of Yemeni sovereignty." In a statement, the coalition affirmed its full support for the legitimate government's stance in upholding the national cause and defending Yemeni sovereignty. The coalition emphasized, "We reject handing over Yemen's fate to the Iranian-backed Houthi coup militias, which use it as a tool to kill Yemenis, destroy the state's resources, and engage in actions outside the national consensus, dragging the Yemeni people into pointless battles in service of the Iranian regime's expansionist project in the region."

The statement pointed out that the Israeli aggression on Hodeida, targeting vital installations with the latest destructive weapons, clearly reveals the criminal nature of the Zionist entity in its attempt to plunge the entire region into wars, disregarding all international and humanitarian laws and norms.