The United Nations has raised concerns about Yemen being drawn deeper into the escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen warned that the country's involvement in the conflict could spiral out of control. The envoy highlighted the increased risk of an environmental disaster in the Red Sea due to repeated attacks on international shipping by Houthi rebels.
The U.N. officials called on the Iranian-backed Houthis to cease their attacks on international shipping and release dozens of detained U.N. personnel and members of civil society. The Houthis have been engaged in a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014, leading to a dire humanitarian situation in the country.
The ongoing conflict has seen a significant number of casualties and disruptions to vital infrastructure, including attacks on ports crucial for aid delivery. The U.N. has expressed alarm at the attacks on key ports like Hodeida and Ras Issa, which have damaged critical energy and port infrastructure.
Despite escalating needs, the U.N.'s ability to provide humanitarian assistance in Yemen has been hindered by arbitrary detentions and false accusations. The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with rising hunger levels and a lack of essential services.
The U.N. has appealed for $2.7 billion in funding for Yemen this year to assist 11.2 million people, but only 41% of the required amount has been received. Urgent funding is needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where millions are at risk of food insecurity and disease outbreaks.
As the conflict in Yemen shows no signs of abating, the international community faces the challenge of addressing the escalating crisis and providing much-needed support to the Yemeni population.
