WHO Director-General Develops Tinnitus Following Israeli Airstrike in Yemen

Thursday 02 January 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

WHO Director-General Develops Tinnitus Following Israeli Airstrike in Yemen

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has reported developing tinnitus after experiencing an Israeli airstrike at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen. The incident occurred as Tedros and his team were preparing to depart following humanitarian discussions in the Yemeni capital.

The attack resulted in at least three fatalities and left 30 people injured, according to reports from Houthi-run al-Masirah television. Upon returning to Geneva, Tedros shared on X, "I am okay, but I have developed tinnitus from the loud explosion. I hope it will be temporary."

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) strike caused substantial damage to the airport's infrastructure, including the control tower, departure lounge, and runway. One member of Tedros's team sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment in Jordan.

The UN delegation had just concluded talks addressing Yemen's humanitarian crisis and the release of detained personnel when the attack occurred. "The airport came under aerial bombardment" as they were preparing to board their flight, Tedros stated, noting that "one of our plane's crew members was injured, and the destruction around us was severe."

The incident has prompted the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) to temporarily suspend operations. World Food Programme head Cindy McCain expressed concern about this suspension, citing its potential impact on aid delivery during a critical period of humanitarian need.

Additional Israeli strikes targeted the western city of Hodeidah, damaging essential infrastructure including ports and a power station. These attacks resulted in three deaths and at least 10 injuries, contributing to a total of 40 people injured across multiple strikes.

The IOF acknowledged responsibility for the strikes, stating they targeted military infrastructure used by Yemen's Houthi group. This justification mirrors claims made regarding operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, including strikes on residential areas and hospitals.