UN Officials Warn Against Yemen Becoming a Casualty of Regional Tensions

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg voiced urgent concerns about Yemen’s escalating crisis during a briefing Monday to the UN Security Council. With regional tensions intensifying, particularly noting recent conflicts involving Iran and Israel, Grundberg stressed the dire need for de-escalation to prevent Yemen from becoming “collateral damage” in broader geopolitical strife.

Highlighting the dangerous path toward escalation, Grundberg emphasized, “We cannot risk Yemen’s chance for peace.” He warned of catastrophic consequences not only for Yemen but for the wider region if Yemen’s political process remains sidelined. The envoy also expressed concerns over continued hostilities in Gaza, underscoring the region’s fragile state.

Inside Yemen, the situation remains volatile with the Houthi rebels, also known as the Ansar Allah movement, persisting in their attacks on both commercial and military targets. Grundberg said that the holy month of Ramadan, traditionally a period conducive to reconciliation, instead saw missed opportunities for peace this year, with ongoing detentions and rising civilian casualties, including women and children.

Edem Wosornu, director of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, further detailed the severe humanitarian situation. With the lean season approaching, Wosornu highlighted the expected surge in hunger and nutritional insecurity. She called for immediate funding to bridge the gap in the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, crucial for sustaining aid to vulnerable groups reliant on international support for survival.