The United Nations warns of escalation in Yemen: There is no alternative to a comprehensive political process

In a briefing before an emergency meeting of the Security Council held this evening, Monday, to discuss the situation in Yemen, Khaled Khayari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs in the Departments of Political Affairs and Peace Operations, stressed that… “Yemen and the broader region cannot afford another round of escalation.”.

He called on all parties to engage constructively in negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, which he described as “Essential to ensure de-escalation, and promote safe, predictable and sustainable civilian air access, among other priorities.”.

Khiari pointed to the developments that occurred in recent days, including reports that an Iranian plane traveled from Tehran to Sanaa International Airport on July 3 before returning to Tehran, and other worrying developments that occurred today, as it was reported that another Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Tehran landed at Hodeidah Airport, which came after reports of air strikes on Sanaa International Airport, which the Houthis attributed to Saudi Arabia.

He also recalled the Yemeni government’s earlier warning to Iran against operating unauthorized flights to Yemen.

Measures that risk deepening divisions

The UN official said that the UN-brokered truce in April 2022 – which facilitated the operation of commercial flights between Sanaa and the Jordanian capital, Amman – proved that practical steps are possible when the parties negotiate in good faith and reach compromises.

Khiari stressed that “Unilateral measures will not bring Yemen closer to peace. On the contrary, they risk deepening divisions, accelerating fragmentation, and increasing the risk of renewed escalation and military confrontation.”.

He urged all parties to reduce tensions and address their differences through dialogue, cooperate constructively with the efforts of the UN Special Envoy, choose dialogue instead of violence, and refrain from taking any measures that would undermine the chances of peace.

Regarding the regional escalation, Khayari echoed the United Nations Secretary-General’s concern about the dangerous escalation and renewed military confrontations in the Gulf, calling on all parties to take the necessary steps to reduce the escalation.

The UN official also recalled that 73 United Nations employees, in addition to employees from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, are still being arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.

And he said: “We again demand their immediate, safe and unconditional release, and full respect for international law, including the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel.”.

More than 18 million people suffer from hunger

In turn, the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, warned that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is worsening at a time when the ability to respond to growing needs has sharply declined.

In his speech before the Council, he said: “The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is worsening while our ability to respond has been sharply reduced.”Pointing out that the country is simultaneously facing deteriorating food security, the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural production and livelihoods, in addition to an unprecedented decline in humanitarian funding, which increases the fragility of the population.

He added that more than a decade of conflict has left millions of Yemenis waking up every day not knowing whether they will be able to feed their children, obtain health care, or secure clean drinking water, stressing that “The coping mechanisms have simply been exhausted.”

The UN official explained that food security indicators paint a worrying picture, as more than 18 million people in Yemen suffer from hunger, many of whom suffer from severe levels of food insecurity.

He added that Yemen remains among the worst food security crises in the world, and includes the largest population facing emergency levels of food insecurity, while malnutrition still threatens the lives of millions of children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

In the health sector, Ratwatte said that the health system in Yemen has been suffering from a severe shortage of resources for years, at a time when humanitarian needs are increasing. He added that despite the great efforts made by humanitarian partners to support this sector, the chronic lack of funding undermines these efforts, noting that 450 health facilities, including 76 hospitals, were closed during the past year due to a lack of resources.

He pointed out that many families are now facing harsh choices between buying food or medicine, keeping their children in school or forcing them to work, staying in their areas or being displaced again in search of safety.

Immediate and serious humanitarian consequences

He stressed that humanitarian organizations, especially local organizations and Yemeni communities, continue to provide aid despite the major operational challenges, but stressed that the lack of funding forced them to reduce programs and services, and limit aid to the most serious cases.

And he said: “Every funding cut has a human face.”He explained that this means a decrease in the number of children receiving treatment for malnutrition, a decline in the ability of health facilities to meet basic needs and respond to emergencies, as well as a reduction in protection services provided to women and girls.

Ratwatte pointed out that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen cannot be separated from regional developments, noting that recent tensions have led to an increase in fuel and food prices, the burdens of which are borne by the most vulnerable groups.

He warned that any new escalation inside Yemen or in the region would be devastating ‘Immediate and serious humanitarian consequences’These include further displacement, higher costs of imports, and restricted humanitarian access.

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