Yemen: On a hospital bed in the Police Model Hospital in Sana’a, injured worker Aseel Al-Maghrabi speaks with unwavering determination and high spirits, challenging the Israeli enemy that has escalated its attacks on Sana’a and its international airport.

Al-Maghrabi was among those injured in last Thursday’s brutal Israeli attack on Sana’a International Airport while performing his duties, serving passengers. 

He never expected that a savage Israeli airstrike would target the control tower and the terminal of the airport—a civilian facility whose targeting is prohibited under international law.

Enduring his pain, Al-Maghrabi asserts with resolute faith: “The airstrikes targeted civilians directly while they were peacefully carrying out their duties—not a military site. During the attack, I thought of the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and realized that no matter what we endure, it is little compared to their plight. We remain steadfast, God willing.”

He emphasized that the victims of these airstrikes are predominantly women and children, debunking the enemy's claims that the site was military. He directed a message to the enemy: “You are failures and losers, and we will overcome you with God’s help. May God protect our leadership.”

A second worker added: “The vicious attack targeted us while we were issuing landing clearance to Yemenia Airlines and coordinating with the UN for departure. Despite the injuries, we remain steadfast, from the oldest among us to the youngest. Our resolve is unshaken, and we stand in solidarity with Gaza until victory is achieved.”

A civilian bystander, injured in the same attack, said: “They struck the tower while we were waiting near the arrivals area. Though injured, I vow we will not yield. We will continue to resist and support the Palestinian cause, no matter the cost.”

Unwavering Support for Gaza

Airport security officer Mohsen Al-Ghanami recalled: “We were in the VIP lounge with a UN delegation of over 30 people, including foreign dignitaries, Egyptians, and others, when the first strike hit the terminal, followed by another hitting the tower, preventing the delegation’s departure.”

Despite these atrocities, civilians and officials alike reaffirm their commitment to defending Gaza and resisting Israeli aggression. They reject enemy propaganda labeling the airport as a military site, emphasizing the civilian nature of the facility and the innocent victims of the attack.

Following the attack, Deputy Minister of Transport Yahya Al-Sayyani confirmed that Sana’a Airport resumed operations within hours. The first Yemenia Airlines flight departed at 10 a.m., restoring regular schedules despite the devastation.

Khaled Al-Shaif, the airport director, highlighted that the strikes occurred during peak activity in the terminal but reaffirmed the airport’s full operational capacity. “Flights will continue as scheduled,” he assured.

A Heinous Crime Against Civilians

Eyewitnesses described the horrific scale of destruction and panic caused by the strikes, particularly among children and women. The attack not only targeted a vital civilian facility but also mocked the presence of the WHO Director-General and his delegation, underscoring a blatant disregard for international norms.

Despite the devastation, Yemen remains determined to support Gaza and resist Israeli and American aggression, standing firm in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Translated by Almasirah English website