The Secretary-General expresses concern about the Israeli raids on Yemen and the launching of ballistic missiles by the Houthis on Israel

In a press statement, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the simultaneous launch of ballistic missiles by the Houthis towards Israel, which struck and caused serious damage to a school in central Israel.

Initial reports – as stated in the statement – indicate civilian casualties, including nine dead and three wounded, in addition to significant damage to the Red Sea ports, which will lead to an immediate and noticeable limitation of the ports’ capabilities.

Today’s air strikes come after nearly a year of escalatory Houthi actions in the Red Sea and the region, threatening civilian lives, regional stability, and freedom of maritime navigation. The Secretary-General recalls that all parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and respect and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure.

The spokesman said in his statement that the Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region, and continues to urge everyone to exercise the utmost restraint. He added that these actions undermine the mediation efforts led by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to reach a political solution to the conflict in Yemen through negotiation.

The Secretary-General again calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.