Genocide, Sovereignty, and the Collapse of Diplomatic Norms

On August 28, 2025, Israel launched an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, that killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government. The strike targeted a government facility where al-Rahawi and other officials were reportedly meeting, marking the most significant escalation in Israel’s response to Houthi attacks since the Gaza war began. The Houthis, who have fired missiles and drones toward Israel and disrupted Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Palestinians, confirmed al-Rahawi’s death and vowed continued resistance. Israel described the strike as targeting a “Houthi terrorist regime military site,” though it did not initially name al-Rahawi. His death signals a sharp intensification in the regional fallout from the Gaza conflict, drawing Yemen deeper into the fray.

In a sweeping escalation of its stance on the Gaza conflict, Turkey has officially severed all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. The move includes a full suspension of trade—previously valued at around $7 billion annually—as well as a ban on Israeli aircraft in Turkish airspace and restrictions on maritime access for Israeli vessels. Turkish ports are now closed to Israeli ships, and Turkey has prohibited the transit of any military cargo bound for Israel through its territory. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the measures during a special parliamentary session, accusing Israel of genocide and warning that its actions threaten regional stability. President Erdoğan reinforced the condemnation with sharp rhetoric, signaling a profound rupture in relations not seen since the countries first established ties in 1949.