The Israeli military has issued an urgent evacuation warning for Yemen's Hodeidah Port, declaring plans to strike the facility within hours. The announcement intensifies regional tensions amid Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza and escalating exchanges with Houthi forces.
"For your safety, we urge all those present at Hodeidah Port and the ships anchored there to evacuate the area immediately," said Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee in a social media post accompanied by a map marking the target zone.
The warning follows Israel's recent large-scale ground incursion into Gaza City and a UN commission report accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians—a claim Israel strongly denies. Houthi forces, who control northern Yemen, have increased drone and missile attacks since Israeli airstrikes killed senior leaders in Sana'a last week.
Hodeidah Port, a critical Red Sea hub, has been repeatedly targeted by Israel since November 2023, with Houthi forces claiming their attacks support Palestinians in Gaza. Analysts warn the conflict risks further destabilizing maritime security in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.
