Latest news with #HansGrundberg
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Yemen: UN Warns Against Houthi-Israel Escalation, Calls For Dialogue
On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen's main airport in the capital, Sana'a, destroying the last operational Yemenia Airways plane, according to media reports. The attack came a day after the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, fired missiles at Israel. Fragile situation worsening In Yemen, the rebels have been fighting with Government troops, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for over a decade. But since the start of the war in Gaza they have been targeting Israel as well as commercial ships in the Red Sea, as an act of solidarity with Palestinians. 'The ongoing military confrontation between the Houthis and Israel is exacerbating an already very fragile situation in Yemen and the broader region,' said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. 'Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Sana'a airport in Yemen and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, are unacceptable.' He said the strike on Sana'a airport and the destruction of the civilian aircraft 'deprives many Yemenis of a critical means to leave the country for medical, educational, family or religious regions, especially at a time when thousands of pilgrims are preparing for the Hajj.' De-escalation and dialogue The Spokesman called on all stakeholders, including the Houthis, to de-escalate and exercise restraint, uphold their obligations under international law, and protect civilian infrastructure. He also urged the warring parties to return to the intra-Yemeni dialogue, with the support of the region, as the only viable path toward lasting peace and security. In related developments, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen concluded a visit to Oman's capital Muscat on Wednesday, his office said in a statement. Hans Grundberg met senior Omani officials, members of Ansar Allah leadership and representatives of the diplomatic community, including senior Iranian officials. 'Discussions focused on the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansar Allah and the need to translate this into sustainable progress that benefits all Yemenis and includes guarantees for the region and international community,' the statement said. The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Oman and came into effect on 6 May following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Free detained personnel Mr. Grundberg further addressed regional dynamics and the shared responsibility of all to support de-escalation and a UN-led political process for a durable and comprehensive resolution to the conflict in Yemen. As the Houthis continue to arbitrarily detain scores of personnel from the UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, the Special Envoy called for their immediate and unconditional release in all his engagements. 'He stressed that their prolonged detention is not only unjustifiable but undermines the UN's and international community's ability to provide humanitarian support to millions of Yemenis,' the statement said.
Observer
3 days ago
- Politics
- Observer
Israeli strikes destroy last plane at Yemen's airport
SANAA: Israeli air strikes blew up the last remaining plane at Yemen's international airport, a Yemeni official said on Wednesday, weeks after an earlier attack inflicted major damage. An air raid involving multiple strikes hit the Yemenia Airways plane and the runway at Sanaa airport, the Al Masirah TV channel posted on X, decrying "Israeli aggression". Thick black smoke was seen billowing from a stricken plane on the tarmac, in a video posted on X by Sanaa airport director Khaled al Shaief who said it was Yemenia's last operational aircraft. The airport had only resumed limited commercial services on May 17 after it was closed by a heavy Israeli attack that destroyed six planes 11 days earlier. According to a statement from Yemenia, the plane was about to be boarded by Muslim pilgrims bound for the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, the United States agreed a ceasefire with the Yemeni group Ansar Allah, ending weeks of intense American strikes on several areas. United Nations special envoy Hans Grundberg warned that clashes are "exacerbating an already very fragile situation for Yemen and the region". — AFP
Yemen Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Yemen Online
UN Envoy to Yemen : Economic Deterioration Threatens Political Stability
Aden – The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has warned that the accelerating economic decline in the country poses a direct threat to political stability, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to address the economic crisis as a top priority. In a statement from his office, Grundberg stressed that the economic crisis is significantly impacting the daily lives of citizens and hindering any sustainable political progress. He called for coordinated regional and international efforts to support Yemen's political process and address the worsening economic challenges. The envoy pointed out that the recent announcement of a cessation of hostilities between the United States and the Houthis earlier this month presents an important opportunity to de-escalate tensions. However, he insisted that this opportunity must be utilized to implement economic reforms and push all parties toward a comprehensive political settlement. Grundberg also expressed concern over the continued detention of UN and international and local organization staff by the Houthis, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. He warned that such actions undermine the international support provided to Yemen.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US-Houthi Ceasefire ‘A Welcome Opportunity' To Advance Peace Efforts In Yemen
The ceasefire between the United States and Houthi rebels in Yemen provides an opportunity to revitalize the peace process in the Middle Eastern country, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday. 14 May 2025 Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, who commended Oman for its efforts to achieve the agreement which came into effect on 6 May. He said the cessation of hostilities represented an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Resolve the conflict However, recent events show that the country is still ensnared in wider regional tensions, he said, pointing to Houthi attacks on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Israel's subsequent strikes on Hudaydah Port, Sana'a Airport, and other locations. 'Nevertheless, the announcement of 6 May provides a welcome opportunity on which we must collectively build to refocus on resolving Yemen's conflict and advancing a Yemeni-owned peace process,' he said. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, and Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for control of the country for more than a decade. 'Yemenis want to move forward' 'The challenges facing Yemen are immense: from the deep and significant levels of mistrust between the parties, with some still reportedly preparing for war, to near economic collapse,' Mr. Grundberg told the Council He said the UN will continue to work to bring the sides to the table to identify and agree on solutions that are acceptable to all. 'Yemenis want to move forward – the status quo is untenable,' he insisted. 'And while the frontlines may currently appear relatively stable, what Yemen has now is not peace.' He stressed the need for continued engagement by the international community to help the Yemeni people realize their desire to build a stable, prosperous and safe country. Release detained staff Mr. Grundberg used the briefing to again highlight the plight of personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions, who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. 'Not only is their detention in violation of international law, but it has also caused a significant chilling effect throughout the international community, which only has one outcome: undermining support to Yemen, which will sadly impact the Yemenis most in need,' he said. He welcomed the recent release of staff members from the Dutch Embassy and international organization, saying 'this demonstrates what is possible, but these releases are woefully insufficient.' Message to the people The Special Envoy concluded his remarks by stating that Yemenis have endured over 10 years of instability, uncertainty and economic collapse. Speaking directly to the population, he reiterated that ' I see you. I hear you. You have not been forgotten – and I won't relent in my efforts to pursue peace and stability in Yemen.' He urged the warring parties 'to be courageous and choose dialogue,' emphasizing that 'the United Nations will not waiver in its commitment to support you in finding a negotiated settlement to this conflict.' Humanitarians 'running out of time': Fletcher UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, shared the Special Envoy's relief at the cessation of hostilities in Yemen. He stressed, however, that 'Yemen is not out of the woods' as the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with children most affected. 'Half of Yemen's children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished. 600,000 of them severely so,' he said. Childhood killers on the rise Moreover, 'malnutrition is not just about hunger,' he added, as it attacks immunity, leaving children vulnerable to deadly infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea – both leading causes of child mortality in Yemen. The country also has one of the worst immunisation rates in the world as only 69 per cent of children under a year old are fully immunized and 20 per cent have received no vaccinations at all. As a result, diseases such as cholera and measles are rising. In 2024, Yemen accounted for over a third of global cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths, in addition to having one of the highest measles burdens globally. 'Children are not alone in being disproportionately impacted,' said Mr. Fletcher, as malnutrition also affects 1.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen, placing mothers and newborns at grave risk. Overall, some 9.6 million women and girls are in severe need of life-saving humanitarian support, he said. Appeal to the Council He warned, however, that humanitarians 'are running out of time and resources' as their 2025 response plan for Yemen is barely nine per cent funded. 'These shortfalls have very real consequences,' he said. 'Nearly 400 health facilities – including 64 hospitals – will stop operating, impacting nearly seven million people.' Meanwhile, funding for 700 midwives is quickly running out and 20 therapeutic feeding centres and more than 2,000 therapeutic feeding programmes have already been forced to close down. Mr. Fletcher made three requests to the Council, calling first for action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians as well as access to all those in need. He urged ambassadors to also provide scaled-up, flexible funding to sustain critical aid operations. 'Third, and as the Special Envoy has underlined, back efforts towards lasting peace,' he concluded.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US-Houthi Ceasefire ‘A Welcome Opportunity' To Advance Peace Efforts In Yemen
14 May 2025 Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, who commended Oman for its efforts to achieve the agreement which came into effect on 6 May. He said the cessation of hostilities represented an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Resolve the conflict However, recent events show that the country is still ensnared in wider regional tensions, he said, pointing to Houthi attacks on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Israel's subsequent strikes on Hudaydah Port, Sana'a Airport, and other locations. 'Nevertheless, the announcement of 6 May provides a welcome opportunity on which we must collectively build to refocus on resolving Yemen's conflict and advancing a Yemeni-owned peace process,' he said. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, and Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for control of the country for more than a decade. 'Yemenis want to move forward' 'The challenges facing Yemen are immense: from the deep and significant levels of mistrust between the parties, with some still reportedly preparing for war, to near economic collapse,' Mr. Grundberg told the Council He said the UN will continue to work to bring the sides to the table to identify and agree on solutions that are acceptable to all. 'Yemenis want to move forward – the status quo is untenable,' he insisted. 'And while the frontlines may currently appear relatively stable, what Yemen has now is not peace.' He stressed the need for continued engagement by the international community to help the Yemeni people realize their desire to build a stable, prosperous and safe country. Release detained staff Mr. Grundberg used the briefing to again highlight the plight of personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions, who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. 'Not only is their detention in violation of international law, but it has also caused a significant chilling effect throughout the international community, which only has one outcome: undermining support to Yemen, which will sadly impact the Yemenis most in need,' he said. He welcomed the recent release of staff members from the Dutch Embassy and international organization, saying 'this demonstrates what is possible, but these releases are woefully insufficient.' Message to the people The Special Envoy concluded his remarks by stating that Yemenis have endured over 10 years of instability, uncertainty and economic collapse. Speaking directly to the population, he reiterated that ' I see you. I hear you. You have not been forgotten - and I won't relent in my efforts to pursue peace and stability in Yemen.' He urged the warring parties 'to be courageous and choose dialogue,' emphasizing that 'the United Nations will not waiver in its commitment to support you in finding a negotiated settlement to this conflict.' Humanitarians 'running out of time': Fletcher UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, shared the Special Envoy's relief at the cessation of hostilities in Yemen. He stressed, however, that 'Yemen is not out of the woods' as the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with children most affected. 'Half of Yemen's children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished. 600,000 of them severely so,' he said. Childhood killers on the rise Moreover, 'malnutrition is not just about hunger,' he added, as it attacks immunity, leaving children vulnerable to deadly infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea – both leading causes of child mortality in Yemen. The country also has one of the worst immunisation rates in the world as only 69 per cent of children under a year old are fully immunized and 20 per cent have received no vaccinations at all. As a result, diseases such as cholera and measles are rising. In 2024, Yemen accounted for over a third of global cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths, in addition to having one of the highest measles burdens globally. 'Children are not alone in being disproportionately impacted,' said Mr. Fletcher, as malnutrition also affects 1.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen, placing mothers and newborns at grave risk. Overall, some 9.6 million women and girls are in severe need of life-saving humanitarian support, he said. Appeal to the Council He warned, however, that humanitarians 'are running out of time and resources' as their 2025 response plan for Yemen is barely nine per cent funded. 'These shortfalls have very real consequences,' he said. 'Nearly 400 health facilities – including 64 hospitals – will stop operating, impacting nearly seven million people.' Meanwhile, funding for 700 midwives is quickly running out and 20 therapeutic feeding centres and more than 2,000 therapeutic feeding programmes have already been forced to close down. Mr. Fletcher made three requests to the Council, calling first for action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians as well as access to all those in need. He urged ambassadors to also provide scaled-up, flexible funding to sustain critical aid operations. 'Third, and as the Special Envoy has underlined, back efforts towards lasting peace,' he concluded.
