On May 5, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeida port in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes follow a pattern of tit-for-tat attacks linked to the Gaza conflict. To connect with Yemen’s culture, we share a recipe for Kanafeh, a beloved Yemeni dessert.
Israel’s Retaliatory Strikes on Hodeida
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed that warplanes struck Hodeida port on May 5, 2025, targeting Houthi military infrastructure. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported the attack, alleging U.S. involvement, though U.S. officials denied this, per CNN. The strikes followed a Houthi missile attack on May 4, 2025, near Ben Gurion Airport, which injured eight and halted flights for 30 minutes.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/04/middleeast/flights-halted-at-israel-airport-yemen-strike-intl)[](https://abcnews.go.com/International/houthi-missile-strikes-tel-avivs-ben-gurion-airport/story?id=121443287)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating, “Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond,” and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.” The Israeli military cited a technical issue with its Arrow and U.S.-provided THAAD systems, which failed to intercept the missile.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/4/missile-launched-from-yemen-hits-israels-ben-gurion-airport-in-tel-aviv)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/04/middleeast/flights-halted-at-israel-airport-yemen-strike-intl) |
| Source: Video Screenshot |
Houthi Attacks and Regional Context
The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group, claimed the airport attack in solidarity with Palestinians, citing Israel’s Gaza operations, which have killed over 52,000 since October 2023, per Palestinian officials. The missile, described as a hypersonic “Palestine 2,” evaded Israel’s defenses, marking a rare breach. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree warned of further strikes, threatening an “aerial blockade” on Israeli airports.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/4/missile-launched-from-yemen-hits-israels-ben-gurion-airport-in-tel-aviv)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/04/middleeast/flights-halted-at-israel-airport-yemen-strike-intl)[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/4/missile-launched-from-yemen-hits-israels-ben-gurion-airport-in-tel-aviv)Israel has struck Hodeida multiple times since July 2024, targeting ports and energy facilities used for Iranian weapon smuggling, killing dozens and disrupting aid shipments critical for Yemen’s 32 million people. The U.S. has conducted over 1,000 strikes on Houthi targets since March 2025, but the group’s Red Sea attacks persist, disrupting global trade.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/20/air-raids-hit-yemens)[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-announces-new-strikes-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemens-capital-and-ports)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-working-intercepting-missile-launched-yemen-2025-05-04/)Geopolitical Implications
The strikes coincide with Israel’s approval of expanded Gaza operations, including territorial “conquest,” prompting Houthi escalation. Posts on X reflect Houthi defiance and Israeli resolve, with some alleging U.S.-Israeli coordination. The conflict risks broader regional escalation, with Iran’s support for the Houthis drawing scrutiny. The UN has condemned the strikes’ impact on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, where ports like Hodeida are vital for food and aid.
[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-announces-new-strikes-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemens-capital-and-ports)[](https://x.com/elly_bar/status/1919440531018678696)[](https://x.com/MonitorX99800/status/1919439573479780515)Efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, critical to de-escalating Houthi attacks, have faltered, with U.S. President Donald Trump ordering strikes to deter Houthi maritime attacks. Israel’s actions face international pressure, especially after the ICJ’s 2024 ruling against its West Bank occupation.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-working-intercepting-missile-launched-yemen-2025-05-04/)[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/20/airstrikes-hit-yemens-hodeidah-port-after-israel-vows-revenge-for-houthi-attack)A Taste of Yemen: Kanafeh Recipe
Amid Yemen’s turmoil, its culinary heritage offers a sweet respite. Kanafeh, a syrup-soaked cheese pastry, is a cherished Yemeni dessert. Here’s a recipe to savor this treat.
Traditional Yemeni Kanafeh Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta or sweet cheese, crumbled
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- ¼ cup pistachios, crushed, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- Shred kataifi dough and toss with melted butter. Press half into the pan’s base.
- Spread cheese evenly over the dough. Cover with remaining kataifi, pressing gently.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
- Boil sugar, water, and lemon juice for 10 minutes to make syrup. Stir in orange blossom water. Pour over warm kanafeh.
- Garnish with pistachios and serve warm.
Conclusion
Israel’s strikes on Hodeida port, following the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, underscore the volatile Middle East conflict tied to Gaza. As both sides vow further action, the risk of escalation grows, threatening Yemen’s humanitarian lifeline. Savoring Kanafeh offers a taste of Yemen’s resilience. Stay updated on this critical situation.