## Israel Extends Operations to Yemen: An Interview wiht Dr. Omar Khalil
**Host:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for joining us today to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East. Israel has confirmed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following a missile attack on Israeli territory. Can you shed light on the significance of this new advancement?
**Dr. Khalil:** This is a dangerous escalation. The expansion of Israeli military action into Yemen risks destabilizing an already fragile situation. The Houthi movement is engaged in a complex civil war within Yemen, and Israel’s intervention could further complicate matters, possibly drawing other regional powers into the conflict.
**host:** The Israeli military claims that these strikes are a direct response to the Houthi missile attack and are aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure. What are your thoughts on this justification?
**dr. khalil:** While Israel has a right to defend itself, expanding the conflict beyond Gaza raises serious concerns. It’s unclear what evidence links Hamas directly to the Houthi missile launch, and targeting infrastructure in Yemen seems disproportionate to the alleged threat.
**Host:** Houthi-controlled media reports nine civilian casualties from the Israeli strikes. While self-reliant verification is ongoing, this news raises serious questions about the humanitarian consequences of further military action. How do you see this evolving?
**Dr. Khalil:** Any civilian casualties are deeply regrettable and underscore the need for restraint on all sides.
**Host:** International observers are calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Do you see any avenues for peaceful resolution in this increasingly complex situation?
**Dr. Khalil:** The path to peace in this region is challenging, to say the least. International pressure is crucial to urge all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialog and find a lasting solution. This includes addressing the root causes of the conflict and working towards a just and equitable peace for all involved.
**Host:** This situation is rapidly evolving and complex. We appreciate your insights, Dr.Khalil. what are your thoughts on the potential long-term ramifications of these recent events? Do you believe this marks the beginning of a wider regional conflict? We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this vital issue.
## Archyde Exclusive: The Yemen Wildcard in the Israel-Hamas War
**Interview with Dr. Sarah al-Masri, Senior Middle East Analyst at the Institute for International Studies**
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**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News.Today we delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle east, analyzing the recent israeli strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following a missile attack on Israel. We are joined by Dr. Sarah al-Masri, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict. Dr. al-Masri, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. al-Masri:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. al-Masri, can you shed some light on the latest developments? What prompted Israel to expand its military campaign to Yemen?
**Dr. al-Masri:** the Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen come as a direct response to a missile attack launched from Yemen, which Israel has attributed to the Houthis. While the Houthis have confirmed obligation for the attack,their motivation,and the extent of their potential connection to Hamas,remains unclear.This incident marks a critically important escalation, extending the conflict beyond the immediate Gaza-Israel conflict and raising serious concerns about regional stability.
**Host:** The Houthis are already heavily involved in a civil war in Yemen. How might this involvement impact the current situation?
**Dr. al-Masri:** This is where things become complicated. The Houthis are motivated by a complex mix of religious zeal, a desire to combat corruption, and a pursuit of their own political and social model for Yemen. [[1](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-the-houthis-joined-the-israel-gaza-crisis/)]
They have a history of aligning with various actors based on opportunistic alliances. While the level of coordination, if any, between the Houthis and Hamas in this instance is yet to be fully understood, there is potential for the Houthis to exploit the situation to gain strategic advantages in their ongoing conflict.
**Host:** This throws open a lot of questions. could you elaborate on the potential consequences of Israel’s actions in Yemen?
**Dr. al-Masri:** The Israeli strikes have undoubtedly disrupted Houthi operations. However, they risk exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen and fueling anti-Israeli sentiment across the region.
Furthermore,these actions could complicate international efforts to broker a ceasefire in Yemen’s civil war,perhaps dragging regional powers into a wider proxy conflict.
**Host:** The international community has been urging restraint from all parties. What role can diplomacy play in de-escalating this crisis?
**Dr. al-Masri:** Diplomacy remains crucial in navigating this complex web of conflicts. All parties need to engage in sincere efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in both Yemen and Gaza.Addressing the underlying grievances fueling the peanut trajectories of both conflicts is essential for achieving long-term stability.
**Host:** Thank you Dr. al-Masri for your insightful analysis. This is a rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to monitor the developments and bring you updates on Archyde News.
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