Zurich: The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recounted his harrowing experience during an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Thursday. Tedros, who was at the airport as part of a mission to negotiate the release of detained U.N. personnel, described the attack as one of the most terrifying moments of his life.
In an interview with Reuters, Tedros said, “I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close, a few meters from where we were. A slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit.” He explained how the explosions, which occurred near the departure lounge, caused chaos as people fled in panic amidst the deafening blasts.
Tedros shared that approximately four explosions shook the airport, with one blast landing dangerously close to his location. “There was no shelter at all. Nothing. So you’re just exposed, just waiting for anything to happen,” he added.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was at the Sanaa International Airport when Israel launched an airstrike, said he wasn’t sure he would survive. He was in Yemen to negotiate the release of UN staff and others held in the country https://t.co/MYsMYgaOzl pic.twitter.com/PHWn11a9Or
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 29, 2024
Aftermath of the Strike
The WHO chief and his team were trapped at the airport for over an hour while drones hovered overhead, raising fears of further attacks. Among the debris, they spotted fragments of missiles, heightening their alarm.
The airstrikes, part of Israel’s operations against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, followed repeated drone and missile attacks by the Houthis targeting Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the operations against the Houthis were “just getting started.”
According to the Houthi-controlled Saba News Agency, six people were killed in the attacks, with three fatalities at the airport and three in Hodeidah. Over 40 others were reportedly wounded.
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Tedros’ Mission in Yemen
Tedros had traveled to Yemen over Christmas to facilitate the release of U.N. staff, NGO workers, and employees of diplomatic missions held by the Houthis. He acknowledged the risks involved due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthis but believed the opportunity to negotiate was crucial.
Speaking from Jordan, where he flew on Friday to evacuate a seriously injured U.N. colleague for medical treatment, Tedros revealed that the injured worker was in stable condition. Reflecting on the attack, he noted that his itinerary had been publicly shared and expressed surprise that civilian infrastructure, like the airport, was targeted.
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“A civilian airport should be protected, whether I am in it or not,” Tedros emphasized. He also remarked on the broader humanitarian crisis, saying, “One of my colleagues said we narrowly escaped death. I’m just one human being. So I feel for those who are facing the same thing every single day.”
Global Concerns and Call for Peace
Expressing deep concern over the state of global conflicts, Tedros said, “I’m worried about our world, where it’s heading. I have never … as far as I can remember, seen the world really being in such a very dangerous state.” He urged world leaders to collaborate in ending violence and fostering peace.
