In a significant escalation of hostilities, powerful airstrikes have struck the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, causing widespread destruction and casualties. This attack comes a day after Israel pledged revenge for a drone strike in Tel Aviv. The strikes targeted a refinery and electricity infrastructure, resulting in a massive blaze and further destabilizing the region.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen had been targeting Israel with missiles and drones for several months, but all previous attacks had been intercepted. However, Friday's strike on Tel Aviv proved to be deadly, claiming the life of one person and injuring at least 10 others. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched retaliatory airstrikes on military targets in Hodeidah.

The Houthi movement's Almasirah television channel confirmed the airstrikes on Saturday evening, claiming that the city had been targeted. Social media images, which could not be immediately verified, showed large plumes of smoke and fire near the port. Almasirah also reported that the strikes on the oil facilities had caused fatalities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Hodeidah port was targeted because it was being used for military purposes. Netanyahu emphasized that this strike sends a clear message to their enemies that there is no place beyond the reach of the state of Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu's sentiment, stating that the fire in Hodeidah holds significant symbolism across the Middle East. Gallant emphasized that Israel responded forcefully to the harm caused to an Israeli citizen and would continue to do so wherever necessary.

In response to the airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to "plague" Israel with further attacks. Initially, Almasirah TV claimed that the strikes were carried out by US and British forces but later deleted the reference. However, the Saudi Arabian outlet Al Arabiya, citing unnamed sources, reported that the strikes were a joint operation by Israel, the US, and the UK. Four US officials contradicted this claim, stating that Israel acted alone in the attacks.

The recent airstrikes in Hodeidah follow a vow by Israeli Defense Minister Gallant to "settle the score" after a Houthi drone struck central Tel Aviv. The Houthi militia claimed to have used an undetectable drone, while Israeli officials attributed the incident to "human error."

The conflict between the Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, and Israel has escalated in recent months, with attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden and disruptions in the Red Sea. The US and UK have also conducted strikes on Hodeidah in response to the Houthi attacks.

As tensions continue to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to travel to the US to address Congress. Pressure is mounting on him to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. Additionally, a ruling from the UN's international court of justice (ICJ) on Friday condemned Israel's settlement policies and occupation of the West Bank, further complicating the situation.

While the ICJ ruling is non-binding, it has urged Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories as soon as possible and make reparations. Britain's Foreign Office has restated its commitment to a two-state solution and has resumed funding to UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unwra.

As the conflict continues, the international community closely watches developments and seeks a peaceful resolution that considers the security needs of all parties involved.