The UN representative for Yemen has expressed concern about recent events in the Red Sea, Israel, and within the country, warning of the potential for a widespread escalation. During a briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Hans Grundberg highlighted the risk of escalation following new Houthi attacks on commercial ships and the first confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Yemen in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel.
Grundberg emphasized his deep concern about the ongoing targeting of international shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, stating that recent developments indicate an increasing threat to international shipping. The attacks on Israel by the Houthis and the subsequent Israeli strikes on Yemen’s port of Hodeidah and its oil and power facilities represent a new and dangerous level of violence.
He also mentioned that commercial ships have been sunk and damaged, leading to disruptions in trade, civilian casualties, and the continued detention of the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship hijacked by the Houthis in November. Furthermore, air strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom on military targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen continue.
Grundberg expressed alarm at the lack of de-escalation or progress towards a solution, as the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israel has reported approximately 200 attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis.
