Destruction in Yemen (archive). Yemen: UN chief concerned about Houthi escalation, Israeli airstrikes Peace and Security
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned about reports of Israeli airstrikes earlier today in Yemen, as well as the simultaneous launch of ballistic missiles by the Houthis towards Israel, the UN chief’s press service said on Thursday.
According to preliminary information, there are casualties among the civilian population: nine people were killed and three were injured. Israeli airstrikes near the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Isa, as well as on the power plants in Sanaa, caused significant damage to infrastructure, which will reduce the capacity of the Red Sea. One of the rockets launched by the Houthis hit a school in central Israel, causing significant damage.
The continued escalation by the Houthis in the Red Sea and across the region threatens civilian lives, regional stability and freedom of navigation, the Secretary-General said in a statement. All parties are obliged to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, the Secretary-General recalled.
The UN chief remains concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region and reiterates his call on all to exercise utmost restraint. Such actions undermine the efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Yemen, the Secretary-General added.
He also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff and others arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.
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