UN envoy warns Yemen in ‘free fall' and urges action to avoid wider conflict
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Thursday that Yemen faces economic 'free fall' and escalating conflict risks, demanding urgent humanitarian and diplomatic interventions. Amid the Houthi attacks on Israel and retaliatory strikes by Israel on Yemeni infrastructure, Grundberg stressed that fragile frontlines threaten renewed violence, particularly in Marib.
Grundberg declared: 'The cost of isolation is high, and Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering.' He urged parties to prioritize dialogue over military escalation and called for the unconditional release of detained UN personnel held by Houthi forces. Grundberg concluded: 'Peace in Yemen is much more than threat containment. It is, first and foremost, about the Yemenis.'
Humanitarian conditions remain dire in the country. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya reported that over 17 million Yemenis—nearly half the population—endure acute hunger, with 1.3 million pregnant or breastfeeding women and 2.3 million children under five suffering from malnutrition. Without sustained aid, she cautioned, 6 million more could face emergency food insecurity.
Despite challenges, Msuya highlighted progress. A critical Aden-Sana'a road reopened after seven years, for instance, and the EU pledged €80 million in humanitarian funding. Operations, however, are hamstrung by funding gaps. She emphasized: 'Humanitarians are clearly doing their best, but our response falls short of what Yemen needs.'
The ongoing conflict began in 2015 between the Yemeni government forces and the Houthi rebels, and the conflict has left many citizens homeless and in desperate need of assistance. It has been estimated that nearly 4.5 million Yemenis have been displaced, and the country as a whole is at risk of collapsing. The UN Security Council previously voted to extend its full support to monitor the operations in Yemen through the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, the validity of which lasts until July 14, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yemen Online
11 hours ago
- Yemen Online
Yemen : Israel airstrikes attempting to assassinate senior Houthi figure
The Israeli media said on Saturday that the Israeli military recently attacked Yemen, attempting to assassinate senior Houthi figure. The Iran-backed Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships plying the Red Sea since November 2023, in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.
Yemen Online
11 hours ago
- Yemen Online
UN envoy warns Yemen in ‘free fall' and urges action to avoid wider conflict
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Thursday that Yemen faces economic 'free fall' and escalating conflict risks, demanding urgent humanitarian and diplomatic interventions. Amid the Houthi attacks on Israel and retaliatory strikes by Israel on Yemeni infrastructure, Grundberg stressed that fragile frontlines threaten renewed violence, particularly in Marib. Grundberg declared: 'The cost of isolation is high, and Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering.' He urged parties to prioritize dialogue over military escalation and called for the unconditional release of detained UN personnel held by Houthi forces. Grundberg concluded: 'Peace in Yemen is much more than threat containment. It is, first and foremost, about the Yemenis.' Humanitarian conditions remain dire in the country. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya reported that over 17 million Yemenis—nearly half the population—endure acute hunger, with 1.3 million pregnant or breastfeeding women and 2.3 million children under five suffering from malnutrition. Without sustained aid, she cautioned, 6 million more could face emergency food insecurity. Despite challenges, Msuya highlighted progress. A critical Aden-Sana'a road reopened after seven years, for instance, and the EU pledged €80 million in humanitarian funding. Operations, however, are hamstrung by funding gaps. She emphasized: 'Humanitarians are clearly doing their best, but our response falls short of what Yemen needs.' The ongoing conflict began in 2015 between the Yemeni government forces and the Houthi rebels, and the conflict has left many citizens homeless and in desperate need of assistance. It has been estimated that nearly 4.5 million Yemenis have been displaced, and the country as a whole is at risk of collapsing. The UN Security Council previously voted to extend its full support to monitor the operations in Yemen through the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, the validity of which lasts until July 14, 2025.
Saba Yemen
17 hours ago
- Saba Yemen
Northern directorates commemorate Day of al-Wilayah
Hodeida - Saba: Al-Zaydeyah district in Hodeida governorate on Saturday hosted a festive evening for residents of the northern directorates to commemorate the Day of al-Wilayah of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), under the slogan "Whoever I am his master, then this Ali is his master." Attendees, including Assistant Undersecretary Ghaleb Hamza and Commander of the Northern Axis Major General Fadel al-Dhayani, expressed pride in commemorating the occasion to consolidate the approach of al-Wilayah and urge the nation to overcome weakness. Speeches emphasized emulating Imam Ali in confronting oppressors and upholding truth. Major General al-Dhayani viewed it as a milestone to rectify setbacks caused by failing to adhere to prophetic directives, praising the public's engagement as a renewal of commitment to the Prophet's approach and affirming the Yemeni people's awareness against conspiracies. Abdullah al-Azab, official for preaching, explained that the commemoration renews awareness of authentic history and instills loyalty to God, His Messenger, and Imam Ali as a clear approach against subservience. District Director Hassan al-Ahdal added that the occasion motivates engagement in the "battle of awareness" against attempts to obliterate identity and instill subservience, reflecting the people's growing awareness of their "fateful battle" and solidarity with the Quranic leadership. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
