WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently faced a harrowing experience during an air strike by Israel at Sana’a International Airport. The attack, which occurred on 26 December 2023, targeted the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, leaving many shocked, including Tedros himself, who described the scene as chaotic and terrifying.
A Close Call
During the strike, Tedros was waiting to depart the airport when explosions erupted. He recounted that the blasts were alarmingly close—”a few metres” away from him. “I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close,” he noted, emphasising the unpredictability of such violent conflicts.
Injuries and Evacuations
- The WHO reported that a UN worker suffered serious injuries due to the air strike.
- This individual was evacuated to Jordan for further treatment after undergoing surgery.
- Three people died in the airport attack, with additional casualties in Hodeidah.
As Tedros regrouped in Jordan with his injured colleague, he reflected on the necessity of such trips despite the risks. He was in Yemen to negotiate the release of UN staff held by the Houthis and to evaluate the humanitarian situation in the region.
A Call for Peace
Despite his brush with death, Tedros remained focused on a larger message. He stated that civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected, saying, “Attacks on civilians and humanitarians must stop, everywhere. #NotATarget.” This reflects a growing concern among global leaders about the ongoing conflicts and their toll on innocent lives.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Tedros urged for unity among world leaders to address these issues, expressing worry about the current state of global affairs. His experience in Yemen was just a glimpse into the daily fears faced by many around the world, making his plea all the more poignant.