Yemeni Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Islands
Various developments unfolded across the Middle East as Yemeni Houthis took control of two strategic islands in the Red Sea.
While the Houthis in Yemen seized the strategic Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, casualties and injuries occurred due to a gas leak at a fertilizer factory in Iraq.
Seizure of Islands in the Red Sea
Yemen's Houthis have taken control of the strategic Greater and Lesser Hanish islands located in the southern Red Sea. This move strengthens the Iran-backed Houthis' capacity to control a vital maritime shipping route.
Houthi officials announced that the two islands were seized while Saudi-backed government forces attempted to retake the area in response to rapid advances around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
International Reactions and Regional Developments
China stated that Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure are unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Iran stated that Saudi Arabia was behind Oman's decision to postpone a meeting that was set to bring together regional countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, and condemned Austria for refusing to issue a visa to its nuclear official.
Ammonia Gas Leak in Iraq
An ammonia gas leak occurred at a fertilizer plant located in the southern Iraqi province of Basra.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Health, two people lost their lives and 114 people were injured in the incident.
West Bank and Human Rights Developments
The human rights group B'Tselem stated that Israel is carrying out a systematic project in the occupied West Bank aimed at uprooting the foundations of Palestinian existence.