The Squiz

Leaders of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group say they’ll carry out a “strong and effective response” as the US and UK continue airstrikes on the militia’s facilities in Yemen. The US-led strikes – which Australia is supporting – began on Friday as the Houthis continue to attack cargo and military ships passing through the Red Sea. As of yesterday afternoon, at least 70 strikes had been carried out on what US authorities said were “command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defence radar systems”. 

Why is this notable? 

Because it has stoked fears of a broader Middle East conflict breaking out. The attacks by the Houthi rebels started in November – they say in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The US and UK aren’t standing for that – they say the Iran-backed Houthis have to be stopped because 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea trade corridor. Yesterday, the Pentagon said the strikes had “good effects” in knocking out Houthi assets, but others aren’t so positive… The United Nations has urged restraint from “all involved” as tensions grow. And World Bank economists have warned the situation could spark more global economic woes if it isn’t sorted out soon.

And what’s happening in Israel’s war on Hamas?

The conflict has passed its 100th day, and that’s been marked by many publications with a count of the cost… Reports say at least 23,700 Palestinians in Gaza and 1,300 Israelis have been killed, 64,000 Palestinians and 12,400 Israelis have been injured, and more than 575,000 Palestinians are facing “catastrophic hunger and starvation” in Gaza. As for the war, Israeli strikes hit the city of Rafah in southern Gaza over the weekend, where more than a million people are sheltering. Israeli officials say it’s necessary because that’s where they believe the terror group’s leaders are hiding. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also said Gaza’s border with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor (aka Gaza’s only non-Israeli-controlled border), “must” be closed to stop Hamas from moving weapons and military equipment through. There are growing tensions over this issue, so it’s one to be aware of.