As violence continues to devastate the Middle East — from the Israeli offensive in Gaza to American airstrikes in Yemen — much of the global community, including Western democracies and the wider Muslim world, appears largely indifferent to the staggering human toll.
On Friday, U.S. forces targeted an oil facility in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, claiming it was part of efforts to weaken the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which serves as Yemen’s de facto governing authority. Reports indicate that nearly 80 people were killed in the strike, making it the deadliest since the U.S. began its anti-Houthi operations in January 2024. These actions, justified by Washington as necessary to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and safeguard Israel, represent a continuation of longstanding American military involvement in Yemen under successive administrations.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll has reportedly exceeded 51,000. Just last Thursday and Friday, nearly 100 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, with further attacks occurring over the weekend. Despite international concern, the violence shows no signs of abating.
The claim that U.S. strikes in Yemen are narrowly focused on the Houthis is unconvincing, given the widespread civilian impact. Many of the targeted facilities are dual-use, serving both military and civilian purposes, resulting in further hardship for a population already suffering from nearly a decade of conflict.
Previously, the United States and its Western allies supported Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Houthis. Now, Washington has taken direct action, citing threats from Iran and the need to defend Israel.
The situation in Gaza has drawn particular condemnation, with many observers describing it as a modern-day genocide. Hamas has publicly stated it is prepared to release all Israeli hostages if Israel halts its military campaign and withdraws from Gaza — a proposal that appears to have been dismissed by Israeli leadership.
The relentless violence in Gaza and Yemen — alongside ongoing Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon — underscores the erosion of the so-called “rules-based international order.” Increasingly, actions by Washington and Tel Aviv seem to flout international norms, raising concerns about the unchecked use of force and disregard for national sovereignty.
These developments set a dangerous precedent. What was once framed as a commitment to human rights and the rule of law is now seen by many as a guise for power politics. In today’s Middle East, power, rather than principle, appears to guide state behavior. But this pattern of aggression risks igniting a broader regional conflict — one that could prove far more difficult to contain.
