المبعوث الأممي: هجمات الحوثي على الملاحة الدولية مقلقة

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed his deep concern today (Wednesday) regarding the escalation in the Red Sea after two commercial ships were attacked by the Houthis earlier this week, resulting in civilian casualties, warning of potential environmental risks.

Grundberg clarified in his briefing to the UN Security Council today that the attack on the ships in the middle of this week is the first attack targeting commercial vessels in over seven months, calling for the necessity of protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The UN envoy to Yemen stated: "Civilian infrastructure must not become a target of the conflict," emphasizing the need to spare Yemen further involvement in regional crises that threaten to undermine the already extremely fragile situation in the country.

He pointed out that "the risks facing Yemen are extremely high, and the future of Yemen depends on the collective determination to protect it from further suffering and to grant its people the hope and dignity they deserve," noting that Israeli airstrikes had targeted Sana'a earlier in the reporting period, in addition to attacks on the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif, and a power station (on Sunday).

Grundberg hinted at the Houthis' efforts to escalate the situation in Al-Dhale, Al-Jawf, Marib, Taiz, and Saada, indicating that there is a movement of forces towards Al-Dhale and Marib and Taiz (referring to the Houthis).

The UN envoy warned of the dangers of exacerbating divisions, affirming that any party engaging in any unilateral activity could harm all Yemenis, and both sides must show a genuine willingness to explore peaceful avenues and create the necessary conditions for lasting stability.

He addressed the reflection of the situation in the region on Yemen's stability, indicating that the Houthis continue to launch multiple missile attacks on Israel, noting that his consultations with Yemeni Prime Minister Salem bin Brek in Aden focused on taking practical and tangible measures that would facilitate the full and timely payment of salaries, enhance citizens' purchasing power, improve services, stimulate the economy, and empower the Yemeni government to resume oil and gas production and export.

Grundberg considered that the release of all remaining detainees related to the conflict would send an important signal, pointing out that the process has been stagnant for over a year, saying: "There is no justification for prolonging the suffering of families who have long awaited the return of their loved ones." He urged the parties to commit to releasing everyone for everyone and encouraged them that now is the time to fulfill this commitment.

The UN envoy proposed adopting practical steps to pave the way for lasting solutions by prioritizing three key areas: supporting de-escalation efforts on the front lines, working with the parties to establish criteria for a nationwide ceasefire, paving the way for talks between the parties, and collaborating with regional countries and the international community on broader security guarantees, especially those related to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The UN envoy stated: "The elements of the roadmap are known to you: alongside the ceasefire, there are economic and humanitarian measures, and a political process," reiterating his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals by the Houthis, including UN staff, workers in national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions.