UN Official Warns Against Further Escalation Amid Attacks in Yemen, Israel and the Red Sea
December 30, 2024
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent wave of attacks in Yemen, Israel, and the Red Sea. He called for all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of violence.
Attacks in Yemen
On December 29, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a drone and missile attack on an oil facility in the southern Saudi Arabian city of Jizan. The attack caused significant damage and injured several people. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, citing Saudi Arabia’s ongoing military intervention in Yemen.
Attacks in Israel
Simultaneously, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired rockets into southern Israel. The Israeli military responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza. There were no reported casualties on the Israeli side, but several Palestinians were injured in the airstrikes.
Attack in the Red Sea
A Saudi oil tanker was targeted by an explosive device in the southern Red Sea on December 30. The tanker sustained minor damage but was able to continue its journey. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but maritime experts suspect a possible Houthi involvement.
UN Secretary-General’s Statement
In his statement, Guterres condemned these attacks and urged all parties to adhere to international law. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of conflicts and stressed that violence would only lead to further suffering and instability.
“I am deeply concerned about the recent escalations of violence in Yemen, Israel, and the Red Sea,” Guterres said. “I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further actions that could lead to a wider conflict.”
Regional Implications
The recent attacks have raised concerns about regional stability and security. The potential for a wider conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which support opposing sides in the Yemen conflict, is particularly worrying.
Additionally, the attacks on Israeli targets could reignite tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, leading to further violence and instability in the region.
International Response
The United States has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and has pledged to provide additional military support to the Kingdom. The European Union has also expressed its concern and called for an immediate de-escalation of violence.
The UN Security Council is expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the situation and adopt a resolution condemning the attacks and demanding an end to the violence.
Conclusion
The recent attacks in Yemen, Israel, and the Red Sea have raised serious concerns about regional stability and security. UN Secretary-General Guterres has called for all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of violence. The international community must continue to work together to promote a peaceful resolution of conflicts and prevent the outbreak of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
UN official warns against further escalation amid attacks in Yemen, Israel and the Red Sea
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