ocha Center: Targeting Civil Facilities Deepens the Crisis and Destroys Yemen’s Resources

The Mocha Center for Studies has warned of the dangers posed by ongoing Israeli attacks on Yemen's critical infrastructure, stating that these strikes threaten the remaining resources of the Yemeni people and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.

Background: Rising Tensions in the Region

According to the center’s report, the current escalation began on November 15, 2024, following a statement by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, who declared that ships heading to Israel would be targeted in retaliation for the war in Gaza. This announcement triggered significant tensions in the region, with the Houthis expanding their operations to include all commercial ships. In response, the United States formed an international coalition to protect trade routes in the Red Sea.

Strikes Extend Beyond Military Targets

In a political alert titled "The Need for International Intervention to Prevent Targeting Yemen’s Infrastructure," the Mocha Center highlighted that Israeli strikes have hit key civilian areas in Sana’a, Hodeidah, Al-Salif, and Ras Issa. These attacks have not been limited to Houthi military sites but have also targeted airports, ports, and power plants, causing severe damage to Yemen’s already fragile infrastructure.

Severe Damage and a Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

The center emphasized that these strikes are intensifying the suffering of Yemen’s population. Notable examples include:

• The July 2024 attack on the Ras Issa facility and fuel tanks in Hodeidah, which caused losses exceeding $20 million.
• December strikes on Sana’a Airport and power stations, which resulted in extensive destruction and civilian casualties.

The report also noted that Yemen’s national capacities have been eroding since 2014, as the war has destroyed hospitals, ports, and electricity infrastructure, compounding the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises.

Massive Economic Losses

The Mocha Center estimated that the war has cost Yemen’s economy over $200 billion, warning that continued Israeli strikes will further escalate these losses and could lead to the complete collapse of the country’s remaining infrastructure.

Appeal to the International Community

The statement urged the international community to act swiftly to stop Israeli attacks on vital Yemeni facilities. The center warned that international silence risks enabling the total destruction of Yemen’s infrastructure and triggering a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Mocha Center stressed that Yemen urgently needs international intervention to protect its infrastructure and prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis. Any delay in action, the statement warned, could result in irreversible devastation for the country.