Vantage | Why US-UK Houthi strategy isn't working, and Israel's talking ceasefire

In a significant development, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched air strikes on Yemen, targeting Houthi rebels in what marks the eighth round of such attacks in the past 11 days. The airstrikes involved the use of both missiles and fighter jets, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region.

US officials report that approximately 25 to 30 bombs were dropped during the operation, hitting around eight targets. Notably, some of these targets included underground storage sites, while others were missile and surveillance bases. The coalition, comprising the US, the UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, released footage of the operation, showcasing the intensity of the strikes. Despite the military action, questions arise about the effectiveness of the airstrikes. Houthi rebels remain undeterred, launching 12 attacks in the past 10 days alone and vowing retaliation even after the recent airstrikes. Moreover, the Western coalition appears to lack unity with notable absentees like France, Germany, Italy, and major Arab states, raising doubts about the global nature of the response. British Foreign Minister David Cameron condemned the attacks as illegal and unacceptable, emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to degrading Houthi capabilities. “These attacks are illegal, are unacceptable, and what we’ve done, again, is send the clearest possible message that we will continue to degrade their ability to carry out these attacks whilst sending the clearest possible message that we back our words and our warnings with action,” said Cameron. US President Joe Biden acknowledged the airstrikes’ limited impact but affirmed their continuatio,n hinting at a prolonged military strategy. Yemen conundrum The situation in Yemen seems to be in a continuous state of escalation, with airstrikes being the preferred mode of response. However, given the Houthi resilience and the absence of a unified international front, the efficacy of such military actions remains questionable. Shifting focus to Gaza, Israel has reportedly proposed a two-month ceasefire to Hamas, outlining three key points. The proposal includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas, freedom for Palestinian prisoners and a shift in Israel’s war strategy from carpet bombing to precision tactics. Reasons for ceasefire Israel’s sudden willingness to consider a ceasefire may stem from the prolonged military campaign resulting in rising casualties among Israeli soldiers. The recent spike in fatalities, coupled with political pressure and international criticism, may have prompted the call for a reset and reassessment of strategies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing internal pressure with families of hostages storming official meetings, also contends with external criticism, particularly from Western nations rejecting his rejection of the two-state solution. The EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, criticised attempts to destroy Hamas, stating that it only sows hatred for generations. “Certainly, the way of trying to destroy Hamas is not the way they are doing, because they are seeding the hate for generations,” said Borrell. Meanwhile Britain’s Defence Minister Grant Shapps said, “I think it’s very disappointing that Benjamin Netanyahu has said that. Palestinians deserve a sovereign state.” US National Security spokesperson John Kirby said, “We don’t want to see hospitals as war zones. We don’t want to see hospitals as battlefields. They should be as protected as possible.” As the conflict in Yemen intensifies and the situation in Gaza remains complex, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution becomes more apparent. The proposed ceasefire in Gaza offers a potential respite, allowing for humanitarian aid, diplomatic efforts, and, most importantly, a break from the devastating cycle of violence that has persisted for 109 days. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.