Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convenes a security meeting with top ministers as reports indicate progress in ongoing hostage negotiations.

Netanyahu to hold security meeting with key ministers amid hostage talks progress

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country&rsquo;s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen.&nbsp; &nbsp; Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan &ldquo;Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam&rdquo;. &nbsp; Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers.&nbsp; &nbsp; Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. &nbsp; Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat &nbsp; Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia.&nbsp; &nbsp; To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis.&nbsp;
The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack.&nbsp;
The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. &nbsp;
Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea &nbsp; In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. &nbsp; Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea.
Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. &nbsp; In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones.&nbsp; &nbsp; Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions &nbsp; Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes.&nbsp; &nbsp; In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. &nbsp; Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah.&nbsp;
In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. &nbsp; Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis&rsquo; ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow. &nbsp;

To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. 

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country’s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen. Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan “Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam”. Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers. Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel. Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia. To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack. The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea. Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones. Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel. As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes. In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah. In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis’ ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow.

The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia

In a dramatic escalation, Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and US military assets, intensifying regional tensions. This bold move raises concerns about the broader implications for Middle East stability and international security.

Yemen's Vows Unwavering Support For Gaza Despite Sanaa Strike

Yemen's Houthis Launch Strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport | WION Dispatch

Yemen’s Houthis Target Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and US Military Assets Amid Growing Tensions

As tensions escalate between Israel and Yemen's Houthi group. The Israeli military has claimed to have intercepted a missile launch from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory. The IDF has said in a statement that following the sirens that sounded in central Israel, a missile launch from Yemen was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force prior to crossing into Israeli territory on Saturday. Watch in for more details!

West Asia Tensions: Israel Warns Houthis Of Same Fate As Hamas, Hezbollah & Assad

The Israeli military unleashed a significant air assault on parts of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in retaliation for the group’s missile attacks against Israel, striking back at an adversary more than a thousand miles away.

Yemen: Houthis Vow To Continue Attacking Israel Despite Strikes On Yemen

The Houthi rebels have fired a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, marking a fresh escalation following Israeli bombings on Sana'a's International Airport. The Israeli Defense Minister has stated that the threat now lies in the skies. The conflict between the Houthis and Israeli forces is intensifying by the hour, with both Ben Gurion Airport and Sana'a International Airport coming under fierce attack. This marks the beginning of a new missile war in West Asia. Watch in for more details!

Israel bombs Yemen's Sanaa Airport, narrow escape for W.H.O. chief

The Israeli military  unleashed a significant air assault on parts of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in retaliation for the group’s missile attacks against Israel, striking back at an adversary more than a thousand miles away.

Israel attacks Yemen’s main airport while UN health chief boards flight

The conflict between Israel and Yemen's Houthis is escalating. Latest developments just coming in indicate that Israeli forces say they have targeted military sites in Yemen. The Israeli Air Force claims that their jets conducted intelligence-based strikes on military targets of the Houthis in response to the rebel group's attacks against Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Yemen Conflict: Israel Air Force Carries Out Strikes On Houthi Stronghold

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen.

Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory.

No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-israeli-hostage-held-in-gaza-dies-a-year-after-her-release-786651">Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release</a>

"A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception."

On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people.

In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>

"I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time".

In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory.

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory. No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services. Also read | Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release "A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception." On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people. In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' "I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time". In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli army: Intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen

Jerusalem, Israel
The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen.
Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory.
No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-israeli-hostage-held-in-gaza-dies-a-year-after-her-release-786651">Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release</a>
"A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception."
On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen.
Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people.
In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>
"I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time".
In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces. 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services



Jerusalem, Israel The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory. No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services. Also read | Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release "A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception." On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people. In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' "I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time". In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired another ballistic missile at Israel early on Tuesday morning, triggering air raid sirens in central and southern communities. Watch this report for more details!

IDF Intercepts Missile Fired by Yemen's Houthis Over Central Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism about the chances of a hostage deal with Hamas. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Gives No Timeline On Hostage Deal

New York, USA 
<meta charset="utf-8"/>Yemen has seen a surge in cholera, with around 250,000 suspected infections and 861 deaths reported until December 1, said the World Health Organization (WHO).
This is 35 per cent of all cholera cases globally, and 18 per cent of the loss of lives in 2024.
A sharp rise was observed in November, with cases up 37 per cent and the death rate growing by 27 per cent compared to the same time in 2023.
“Waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea have added immense pressure on Yemen’s already struggling health system,” said Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen.
<h2>A crisis in the making</h2>
The outbreak of cholera worsened in the wake of 10 years of conflicts and major economic troubles in Yemen.
The country endured its worst cholera outbreak from 2017 to 2020, and the disease has been a serious problem since then.
WHO said the current rise in cases is triggered by issues like lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and constrained access to health facilities. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cholera-epidemic-has-killed-180-in-yemen-icrc-15610">Cholera epidemic has killed 180 in Yemen: ICRC</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Funding shortage</h2>
Between October 2024 and March 2025, there is a $20 million funding gap in addressing the issue.
As a result, 47 diarrhea treatment centres (DTCs) and 234 oral rehydration centres (ORCs) were shut from March to November.
WHO has warned that if the funds are not given quickly, another 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs will close by the end of December, leaving 84 per cent of DTCs and 62 per cent of ORCs unable to operate.
Humanitarian groups stress that Yemen could face a catastrophe as bad as the 2017-2020 cholera epidemic.
Watch | Extreme weather in Africa brings deadly Cholera outbreak
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/05/28/FORWEB_2805WI_WOA_EXTREME_WEATHER-1716915312-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/FORWEB_2805WI_WOA_EXTREME_WEATHER.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=255&tags=Africa,Cholera,World News" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<h2 dir="ltr">Efforts underway</h2>
WHO has collaborated with Yemeni authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to highlight the outbreak with initiatives such as:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
Providing laboratory equipment to 12 central public health labs to confirm infections.
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
Distribution of important medicines, medical supplies, and water and sanitation to affected areas.
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
Training over 800 health workers in cholera case management.
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
Deploying more than 25,000 rapid response teams to investigate cases and implement control measures.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>

Yemen is going through a larger humanitarian crisis. Over 18.2 million people, nearly half the population, need aid, with 11.2 million in dire need of help.
Food insecurity impacts 17.6 million people across the country, and almost half of children under five are suffering from moderate to severe stunting.
As the cholera outbreak gets bad and funding runs low, Yemen’s health system is on the brink of crumbling, leaving millions at risk of preventable diseases.
(With inputs from agencies)

The outbreak of cholera increased due to the 10 years of conflicts and major economic troubles



New York, USA Yemen has seen a surge in cholera, with around 250,000 suspected infections and 861 deaths reported until December 1, said the World Health Organization (WHO). This is 35 per cent of all cholera cases globally, and 18 per cent of the loss of lives in 2024. A sharp rise was observed in November, with cases up 37 per cent and the death rate growing by 27 per cent compared to the same time in 2023. “Waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea have added immense pressure on Yemen’s already struggling health system,” said Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen. A crisis in the making The outbreak of cholera worsened in the wake of 10 years of conflicts and major economic troubles in Yemen. The country endured its worst cholera outbreak from 2017 to 2020, and the disease has been a serious problem since then. WHO said the current rise in cases is triggered by issues like lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and constrained access to health facilities. Also Read: Cholera epidemic has killed 180 in Yemen: ICRC Funding shortage Between October 2024 and March 2025, there is a $20 million funding gap in addressing the issue. As a result, 47 diarrhea treatment centres (DTCs) and 234 oral rehydration centres (ORCs) were shut from March to November. WHO has warned that if the funds are not given quickly, another 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs will close by the end of December, leaving 84 per cent of DTCs and 62 per cent of ORCs unable to operate. Humanitarian groups stress that Yemen could face a catastrophe as bad as the 2017-2020 cholera epidemic. Watch | Extreme weather in Africa brings deadly Cholera outbreak Efforts underway WHO has collaborated with Yemeni authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to highlight the outbreak with initiatives such as: Providing laboratory equipment to 12 central public health labs to confirm infections. Distribution of important medicines, medical supplies, and water and sanitation to affected areas. Training over 800 health workers in cholera case management. Deploying more than 25,000 rapid response teams to investigate cases and implement control measures. Yemen is going through a larger humanitarian crisis. Over 18.2 million people, nearly half the population, need aid, with 11.2 million in dire need of help. Food insecurity impacts 17.6 million people across the country, and almost half of children under five are suffering from moderate to severe stunting. As the cholera outbreak gets bad and funding runs low, Yemen’s health system is on the brink of crumbling, leaving millions at risk of preventable diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO reports cholera surge in Yemen: 250,000 suspected infections and 861 deaths as of Dec 1

Yemen has seen a surge in cholera, with around 250,000 suspected infections and 861 deaths reported until December 1, said the World Health Organization (WHO). This is 35 per cent of all cholera cases globally, and 18 per cent of the loss of lives in 2024.

Yemen has seen a surge in cholera, with around 250,000 suspected infections and 861 deaths reported until December 1, said the World Health Organization (WHO). This is 35 per cent of all cholera cases globally, and 18 per cent of the loss of lives in 2024. A sharp rise was observed in November, with cases up 37 per cent and the death rate growing by 27 per cent compared to the same time in 2023. “Waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea have added immense pressure on Yemen’s already struggling health system,” said Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen. A crisis in the making The outbreak of cholera worsened in the wake of 10 years of conflicts and major economic troubles in Yemen. The country endured its worst cholera outbreak from 2017 to 2020, and the disease has been a serious problem since then. WHO said the current rise in cases is triggered by issues like lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and constrained access to health facilities. Also Read: Cholera epidemic has killed 180 in Yemen: ICRC Funding shortage Between October 2024 and March 2025, there is a $20 million funding gap in addressing the issue. As a result, 47 diarrhea treatment centres (DTCs) and 234 oral rehydration centres (ORCs) were shut from March to November. WHO has warned that if the funds are not given quickly, another 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs will close by the end of December, leaving 84 per cent of DTCs and 62 per cent of ORCs unable to operate. Humanitarian groups stress that Yemen could face a catastrophe as bad as the 2017-2020 cholera epidemic. Watch | Extreme weather in Africa brings deadly Cholera outbreak Efforts underway WHO has collaborated with Yemeni authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to highlight the outbreak with initiatives such as: Providing laboratory equipment to 12 central public health labs to confirm infections. Distribution of important medicines, medical supplies, and water and sanitation to affected areas. Training over 800 health workers in cholera case management. Deploying more than 25,000 rapid response teams to investigate cases and implement control measures. Yemen is going through a larger humanitarian crisis. Over 18.2 million people, nearly half the population, need aid, with 11.2 million in dire need of help. Food insecurity impacts 17.6 million people across the country, and almost half of children under five are suffering from moderate to severe stunting. As the cholera outbreak gets bad and funding runs low, Yemen’s health system is on the brink of crumbling, leaving millions at risk of preventable diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to retaliate against Yemen's Houthi rebels after they fired a missile at Tel Aviv. Watch this report for more details!



Israeli PM Netanyahu: Will Take Decisive Action Against Houthis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to retaliate against Yemen's Houthi rebels after they fired a missile at Tel Aviv. Watch this report for more details!

Israeli PM Netanyahu Promises Action Against Houthis Missile Attack On Tel Aviv

Israeli PM Netanyahu Vows To Retaliate Against Yemen's Houthis

The United States on Saturday (Dec 21) announced that it had struck targets in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital, hours after missile attacks on Israeli capital Tel Aviv by&nbsp;Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

The retaliatory strikes come after a Houthi-fired missile struck Tel Aviv, wounding 16 people, marking the second such assault in two days. &nbsp;

<h2>US&nbsp;retaliation</h2>

A Houthi missile storage facility and a "command-and-control facility" in Sanaa were among targets of the US military. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces also intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea, a vital trade route.

&nbsp;

This year has seen repeated US and UK strikes on Houthi-controlled areas following attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on global shipping in the Red Sea. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-rebels-strike-israels-tel-aviv-in-pre-dawn-missile-attack-785863">Yemen rebels strike Israel's Tel Aviv in pre-dawn missile attack</a>

<h2>Attack on Tel Aviv</h2>

In Tel Aviv, the Houthi&nbsp;ballistic missile attack on&nbsp;"a military target of the Israeli enemy" caused extensive damage to buildings.&nbsp;

Israel, in a statement, said its missile defence systems failed to intercept the projectile fully.

"One projectile launched from Yemen was identified, and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," it said on its Telegram channel after alert sirens sounded.

The Israeli military, in later statements, alleged that civilian targets were deliberately targeted and advised civilians to follow safety protocols as the country's "aerial defence is not hermetic".

In a separate incident, Israel intercepted a drone approaching from the east on Saturday. Though its origin remains unclear, similar attacks have been attributed to other pro-Iran factions, like the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drone-strike-kills-5-civilians-in-syria-as-tensions-with-kurdish-forces-escalate-report-785883">Turkish drone strike kills 5 civilians in Syria as tensions with Kurdish forces escalate: Report</a>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong warning to the Houthis, stating that those who attack Israel would face "a very heavy price."&nbsp;

"After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," he said.

Israeli forces in their retaliatory attack struck multiple Houthi targets in Yemen, including in the capital Sanaa. Rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said nine civilians were killed in the strikes.

<h2>Houthi rebels vow continued attacks</h2>

The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks on Israel since the Gaza conflict erupted over a year ago, most of which have been intercepted.

The rebels, in a statement on Saturday, vowed to continue their attacks "until the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Saturday (Dec 21) announced that it had struck targets in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital, hours after missile attacks on Israeli capital Tel Aviv by Houthi rebels.

The United States on Saturday (Dec 21) announced that it had struck targets in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital, hours after missile attacks on Israeli capital Tel Aviv by Houthi rebels. The retaliatory strikes come after a Houthi-fired missile struck Tel Aviv, wounding 16 people, marking the second such assault in two days. US retaliation A Houthi missile storage facility and a "command-and-control facility" in Sanaa were among targets of the US military. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces also intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea, a vital trade route. This year has seen repeated US and UK strikes on Houthi-controlled areas following attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on global shipping in the Red Sea. Also read | Yemen rebels strike Israel's Tel Aviv in pre-dawn missile attack Attack on Tel Aviv In Tel Aviv, the Houthi ballistic missile attack on "a military target of the Israeli enemy" caused extensive damage to buildings. Israel, in a statement, said its missile defence systems failed to intercept the projectile fully. "One projectile launched from Yemen was identified, and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," it said on its Telegram channel after alert sirens sounded. The Israeli military, in later statements, alleged that civilian targets were deliberately targeted and advised civilians to follow safety protocols as the country's "aerial defence is not hermetic". In a separate incident, Israel intercepted a drone approaching from the east on Saturday. Though its origin remains unclear, similar attacks have been attributed to other pro-Iran factions, like the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Also read | Turkish drone strike kills 5 civilians in Syria as tensions with Kurdish forces escalate: Report Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong warning to the Houthis, stating that those who attack Israel would face "a very heavy price." "After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," he said. Israeli forces in their retaliatory attack struck multiple Houthi targets in Yemen, including in the capital Sanaa. Rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said nine civilians were killed in the strikes. Houthi rebels vow continued attacks The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks on Israel since the Gaza conflict erupted over a year ago, most of which have been intercepted. The rebels, in a statement on Saturday, vowed to continue their attacks "until the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted". (With inputs from agencies)

US launches retaliatory strike on Houthi targets in Yemen after attack on Israel's Tel Aviv

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