Amidst the prolonged conflict in Gaza and the recurring attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea, there looms a heightened risk of Yemen plunging back into warfare, cautioned the UN special envoy for the impoverished Arab nation on Thursday.
Hans Grundberg conveyed to the UN Security Council the inherent difficulty in shielding his earnest endeavors towards reinstating peace in Yemen. The interconnectedness between regional occurrences and their reverberations within Yemen underscores the challenges faced.
Since November, the Iranian-backed Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea, ostensibly to demand a halt to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. This surge in aggression followed a surprise attack by Gaza’s Hamas rulers on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties. Subsequently, Israel’s military operations inflicted substantial losses on Palestinian lives.
However, the recent attacks by the Houthis on vessels have shown diminished relevance to the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and other stakeholders. The first fatal strike, claiming lives and forcing survivors to abandon ship, epitomizes the escalating disregard for international maritime norms.
The conflict between the Houthis and the pro-government forces, bolstered by a coalition of Gulf Arab states, has persisted since 2014. The Houthis’ territorial gains, including the capture of Sanaa, and the resultant displacement of the internationally recognized government have fueled a humanitarian crisis, claiming countless lives and displacing millions.
While Yemen experienced a relative decrease in hostilities post a truce in April 2022, pockets of violence endure. Grundberg expressed disappointment at the absence of anticipated progress in achieving a nationwide cease-fire and enhancing living conditions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The continuing hostilities in Gaza and the recurrent Houthi assaults pose significant obstacles to mediation efforts. With the evolving geopolitical landscape, parties to the Yemeni conflict are inclined to recalibrate their strategies, potentially leading to renewed military confrontations.
Edem Wosornu, the operations director at the UN humanitarian office, highlighted the precarious situation in Yemen. Despite initial strides following the truce, rising levels of food insecurity and malnutrition now imperil millions, particularly vulnerable demographics.
Wosornu pointed to alarming statistics indicating a sharp rise in food insecurity and stunted growth among Yemeni children, exacerbated by funding constraints. The World Food Program’s suspension of aid in Houthi-controlled areas underscores the urgent need for international support to avert a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
