UN Condemns Airstrikes in Yemen Amid Rising Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

UN chief António Guterres condemned recent airstrikes in Yemen by Israel that killed three, urging immediate military cessation to protect civilians and infrastructure.

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his deep concern over the recent uptick in violence involving Yemen and Israel, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least three people and left many others injured.

Israeli airstrikes targeted critical civilian infrastructure, hitting sites including ports on the Red Sea, power plants, and Sana’a International Airport.

Notably, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, along with a senior UN delegation, was at the airport during these assaults.

Regional Stability Under Threat

United Nations spokesperson Stéphanie Tremblay underscored that these airstrikes significantly threaten regional stability and maritime safety.

She pointed out that these attacks come on the heels of a year marked by aggressive actions from the Houthis in the Red Sea, which have endangered civilian lives.

The UN has cautioned that rising tensions might derail diplomatic initiatives led by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, aimed at resolving Yemen’s ongoing conflict.

Health and Humanitarian Impact

In a social media post, Dr. Tedros described the scene at Sana’a airport amid the chaos of the airstrikes.

He reported injuries among the plane’s crew and mentioned that casualties were confirmed at the airport.

Key facilities were damaged, including the tower for air traffic control and the departure lounge, located just meters from where he and his colleagues found themselves.

While Dr. Tedros assured that he and the delegation were safe, he acknowledged the need to wait for repairs before they could leave.

Cindy McCain, Director of the World Food Program (WFP), indicated that operations at the airport had to be suspended, a decision that could have serious repercussions for humanitarian aid efforts given the rising needs in the region.

Call for Restraint and Compliance

In response to these alarming developments, Secretary-General Guterres urged all parties to cease military actions immediately and to practice restraint.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law—including humanitarian law—to protect civilians and their vital infrastructure.

The Geneva Conventions and their protocols strictly prohibit attacks against civilians and civilian property, which encompasses hospitals and schools.

These laws require that all warring parties follow principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution during military operations.

Considering Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, the international community has been called upon to place a higher priority on safeguarding civilian lives and essential infrastructure.

Interestingly, just a day after the airstrikes, Yemen’s civil aviation authorities confirmed that flights had resumed at Sana’a International Airport.

Source: Jurist