The United Nations has strongly condemned the Houthi takeover of UN personnel and property in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that Houthi forces entered the World Food Programme (WFP) office, seizing its assets, and attempted to enter another UN office in the city.
The Houthis, who have been fighting Yemen’s government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition for over a decade, now control significant portions of the country. Following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, they have also carried out drone and missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Violation of International Law
Guterres reiterated calls for the release of UN, international, and national NGO staff, civil society members, and diplomatic personnel who have been held captive by the Houthis since 2021 and 2023. “Targeting and detaining UN personnel and partners violates international law. UN staff and facilities are entitled to protection in all circumstances,” he said.
The Secretary-General confirmed that the UN continues to work with its partners to secure the release of detained staff while supporting the Yemeni people’s aspirations for fair and sustainable peace.
UN Expresses Concern Over Escalating Tensions
Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, voiced concern over escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthis. “Yemen cannot bear the consequences of becoming a battlefield in broader geopolitical conflicts. All parties must cease attacks on one another immediately,” he said.
Grundberg urged both the Houthis and Israel to pursue all available diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation. He also expressed concern over civilian casualties in Israel’s recent strikes, noting Houthi claims that several senior political figures were killed in these attacks.
