The American Center for Justice (ACJ) condemned Israeli attacks on vital infrastructure in Hodeidah, Yemen, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, highlighting that targeting facilities such as power stations exacerbates the suffering of local residents.

In a statement reviewed by Barran Press, the center expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli strikes that hit the power station, port, and airport in Hodeidah on the afternoon of the attack, which ignited fuel tanks at the port and caused significant damage to the airport.

The ACJ noted that these violent airstrikes instilled fear among civilians, emphasizing that such attacks constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and represent a serious escalation against civilian objects protected under international law.

The statement detailed that "dozens of Israeli aircraft conducted multiple strikes on the power station supplying electricity to Hodeidah, as well as the city’s airport and port, resulting in extensive damage that has yet to be fully assessed."

The organization argued that Israel's continued targeting of civilian infrastructure in Yemen is a grave breach of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilian objects, particularly under the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 1977. Article 52 of this protocol states that "civilian objects shall not be the object of attack." Furthermore, Article 53 strictly prohibits "any attack against property essential to the survival of the civilian population."

International law mandates the protection of civilian objects according to the Geneva Conventions, with Article 25 of the 1907 Hague Convention prohibiting attacks or bombardments of cities, villages, dwellings, or buildings that are not protected.

According to the ACJ, targeting vital facilities like the power station, which deprives residents of electricity—especially students and patients in hospitals—will worsen the already dire living conditions caused by instability in the country. Additionally, targeting the Hodeidah port, a crucial economic and humanitarian lifeline for Yemen, directly violates these legal provisions.

The statement warned that "Israel's ongoing strikes against Yemen and other countries in the region will only lead to a dangerous escalation of violence, with unpredictable consequences for international peace and security."

The ACJ pointed out that this is not the first instance of such targeting; Yemen has faced multiple strikes during the Israeli war on Gaza and is now being bombarded again amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon. These aggressive actions pose a direct threat to regional stability and necessitate an urgent international response to halt them.

The American Center for Justice called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take responsibility and pressure Israel to cease attacks on civilian objects in Yemen and the surrounding region. It also urged for an independent international investigation into these attacks and accountability for those responsible in accordance with international law.

Earlier today, Israeli air forces conducted strikes on the port of Hodeidah. Local sources informed Barran Press that one strike targeted fuel tanks at the port, resulting in thick smoke rising from the explosion. Additional strikes were reported on the power station and airport.

Israeli military radio stated that the air force was launching strikes on Hodeidah port for the second time. Axios reported that Israeli officials confirmed an airstrike on the port.

This escalation comes after three ballistic missile attacks by Houthi forces on Israel.