In a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, Russia and China accused the United States and Britain of carrying out illegal attacks on military sites used by Yemen's Houthi rebels. These military sites have reportedly been used by the rebels to launch missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea, resulting in disruptions to global shipping.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood and UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward countered these accusations, asserting that the Houthi attacks themselves are illegal. They further justified their actions as self-defense measures taken in response to the illegal activities of the rebels. Woodward highlighted the adverse impact of the Houthi attacks on global shipping, including increased costs for food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region.
On the other hand, Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky and China's U.N. envoy Zhang Jun argued that the U.N. Security Council had not authorized any military action against Yemen. They expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Red Sea and emphasized the importance of pursuing peaceful solutions to the conflict.
The Houthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November, demanding a cease-fire in Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza. These attacks have not been limited to vessels with clear links to Israel, but have also affected shipping in a crucial trade route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
In response to these attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom, with the support of their allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites. Robert Wood reiterated that these actions aim to disrupt and degrade the capability of the rebels to carry out further attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
According to Wood, Iran has been providing the Houthis with advanced weapons since 2014, enabling them to target commercial ships. He called upon all countries, particularly those with direct connections to Iran, to put pressure on Iran's leaders to rein in the Houthis and stop these unlawful attacks.
Polyansky from Russia condemned the attacks on commercial vessels and expressed his country's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation. Russia has urged Houthi leaders to prioritize Yemen's domestic agenda and work towards a peaceful resolution.
The U.N. special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, noted that efforts to restore peace in Yemen have been hindered by the escalating regional tensions associated with the conflict in Gaza and the military escalation in the Red Sea. Despite the challenges, Grundberg vowed to persist in his work and emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open and engaging with all relevant actors.
Polyansky asserted that Israel's military offensive in Gaza, which was triggered by a surprise attack by Hamas, is the root cause of the ongoing situation. He emphasized that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza would help stabilize the situation in the Red Sea, thereby facilitating the efforts of the U.N. special envoy.
Yemen's civil war, which commenced in 2014 when the Houthis ousted the internationally recognized government from the capital, Sanaa, has caused immense devastation. The conflict, seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has turned Yemen into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Edem Wosornu, the director of operations for the U.N. humanitarian office, highlighted the urgent needs of Yemen's population. Over 18 million people, more than half of the country's population, are expected to require humanitarian aid this year. Wosornu also expressed concern about food insecurity in Yemen, with 17.6 million people facing severe hunger, and nearly half of all children under five experiencing stunted growth and development.
To address these pressing challenges, the U.N. has launched a humanitarian appeal seeking $2.7 billion to provide assistance to 11.2 million people across Yemen. However, last year, the U.N. only received 40% of its $4.3 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen.
As the conflict persists, it is crucial for international actors to prioritize humanitarian efforts and support initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution in Yemen. The devastating consequences of the conflict cannot be underestimated, and concerted efforts are required to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population and stabilize the region.
