UN condemns escalation of violence in Yemen

Secretary-General Guterres called for cessation of military actions and restraint.

United Nations | WAM

New Delhi: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalation of violence between Yemen and Israel, particularly the Israeli air strikes on Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations Thursday. The attacks caused numerous casualties, including at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries, a statement by the UN revealed.

Among the injured was a United Nations Humanitarian Air Service crew member.  A high-level UN delegation, led by World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was also present at the airport during the strikes. They had just concluded discussions regarding the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the release of detained UN personnel, the release stated.

The Secretary-General stressed that international law, including humanitarian law, must be upheld at all times. He appealed to all parties to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that humanitarian relief personnel must not be targeted.

Guterres warned that air strikes on Red Sea ports and Sana’a Airport pose grave risks to humanitarian operations at a time when millions of people are in need of life-saving assistance. He expressed concern over the potential for further escalation in the region and reiterated his call for a cessation of all military actions and utmost restraint.

“Further escalation in the region also continues to undermine the mediation efforts led by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to reach a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen,” the release read.