UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stern warning over the intensifying military exchanges between Israel and Houthi forces in Yemen, calling for immediate de-escalation to prevent further regional instability. The appeal follows a series of retaliatory attacks this week that have raised alarms about civilian safety and humanitarian consequences.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, stated Saturday that Guterres emphasized the 'absolute necessity' of adhering to international law to protect civilians. This comes after a Houthi drone strike on Israel's Eilat City injured 20 people Wednesday, followed by Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa Thursday, which reportedly killed nine—including children—and wounded over 150.
Analysts warn the conflict risks spilling beyond Yemen's borders, threatening Red Sea shipping lanes critical to global trade. The UN has not confirmed whether recent disruptions to regional maritime activity are directly linked to the hostilities.
With over 80% of Yemen's population already reliant on aid after a decade of civil war, humanitarian groups fear renewed fighting could worsen what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Guterres reiterated calls for dialogue, urging all parties to 'prioritize peace over military posturing.'
