UN Confirms Airstrikes in Yemen Pose Risks to Humanitarian Operations
On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his concern regarding Israeli attacks in Yemen, emphasizing that the airstrikes on Red Sea ports and Sanaa International Airport are causing significant risks to humanitarian operations.
Stephanie Tremblay, Assistant Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General:
Stated in a release, “The Secretary-General condemns the escalation between Yemen and Israel. The Israeli airstrikes today (Thursday) on Sanaa International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations in Yemen are particularly alarming. Reports indicate that these airstrikes have resulted in numerous injuries, with at least three people killed and over twelve injured.”
The statement further elaborated:
“The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region and reiterates his call for all parties involved to cease all military actions and exercise maximum restraint. He warns that airstrikes on the Red Sea ports and Sanaa airport pose grave risks to humanitarian efforts at a time when millions are in desperate need of life-saving aid.”
It was also stressed that “further escalation in the region continues to undermine mediation efforts led by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, aimed at reaching a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen.”
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of respecting international law, including
humanitarian law, at all times, urging all parties to respect and protect civilians, civilian
infrastructure, and humanitarian workers. “Humanitarian personnel must not be targeted; they
must be respected and protected at all times,” he noted.
Late Thursday evening, Israeli fighter jets carried out a series of attacks on Sanaa International
Airport and the Al-Dailami airbase, a power generation station in the southern outskirts of Sanaa,
as well as the ports of Hodeidah (west Yemen) and Ras Issa oil terminal (northwest of Hodeidah),
and another power station north of Hodeidah, leading to the death of four individuals and
injuring sixteen others.
