S/PV.9954 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Yemen to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Ms. Summer Nasser, Chief Executive Officer, Yemen Aid. The Security Council will now begin consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Grundberg. Mr. Grundberg: It has been a deeply volatile and unpredictable period in the region, marked by shifting dynamics and fragile hopes for de-escalation. We all welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, hoping it would create the space needed for diplomacy to regain momentum, including in Yemen. But against the backdrop of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, we witnessed multiple missile attacks carried out by Ansar Allah against Israel during the reporting period. And we are now, with grave concern, seeing an escalation in the Red Sea, with Ansar Allah attacks on two commercial ships earlier this week, resulting in civilian loss of life and casualties, as well as the potential for environmental damage. Those were the first attacks on commercial vessels in over seven months. In response, Israeli air strikes hit Sana’a earlier in the reporting period, as well as the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Ras Issa and Salif, and a power station on Sunday. Freedom of navigation in the Red Sea must be safeguarded, and civilian infrastructure must never become a target of conflict. Above all, Yemen must not be drawn deeper into regional crises that threaten to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country. The stakes for Yemen are simply too high. Yemen’s future depends on our collective resolve to shield it from further suffering and to give its people the hope and dignity they so deeply deserve. While, by and large, the front lines in Yemen continue to hold, the situation remains fragile and unpredictable. There was a continuation of military activity in governorates such as Al-Dhale, Jawf, Ma’rib, Taiz and Sa’ada. I am also concerned about troop movements towards Al-Dhale, Ma’rib and Taiz. I recognize that for some — on both sides of the conflict — the appetite for military escalation remains. A military solution, however, remains a dangerous illusion that risks deepening Yemen’s suffering. While negotiations may not be easy, they offer the best hope for addressing, in a sustainable and long-term manner, the complexity of the conflict. However, it is urgent to move forward, as time is not on our side. The longer the conflict is drawn out, the more complex it becomes. There is a risk that divisions could deepen further. It is therefore important for both sides to not engage in any unilateral activity to the detriment of all Yemenis. Both sides must signal a genuine willingness to explore peaceful avenues and create conditions for lasting stability. An important signal in that regard would be the release of all remaining conflict- related detainees — a process that has stagnated for over a year. There is nothing strategic in prolonging the suffering of families that have already waited far too long Turning to the economy, across Yemen, the little money people do have in their pockets is either falling in value or literally falling apart. Concern among citizens and across the private sector over the dire countrywide economic situation is increasing. Also increasing — tragically — is the food insecurity and the threat of famine. The economy has, in effect, become the most active front line. But, as I have said before, the economy is an area where practical collaboration between the parties can create meaningful change and immediately and positively impact the lives of Yemenis. In recent weeks we welcomed the opening of the Al Dhale’a road, which has increased freedom of movement and expanded avenues for economic activity. That demonstrates what is possible. I call on the parties to engage in moving forward on tangible and practical measures that would facilitate the full and timely payment of salaries, increase the purchasing power of Yemenis, improve service delivery and stimulate the economy. That was the focus of my discussion with the newly appointed Prime Minister, Salim BinBuriek, when I was in Aden last week, and includes enabling the Government of Yemen to resume oil and gas production and exports. In the coming months, a positive shift towards greater stability in the region would certainly be welcome and could create an environment for Yemen to move forward. But that cannot be a precondition for change. Yemen must advance regardless, moving from simply managing shocks and volatility to developing practical steps that lay the groundwork for lasting solutions. To make that possible, three core areas must be prioritized. First, we must support de-escalation along the front lines and working with the parties on the parameters for a nationwide ceasefire. My office will continue its active engagement through the Military Coordination Committee and with other senior military and security representatives to promote an inclusive security dialogue that can build trust between the parties at national and local levels. Secondly, we must establish a path for talks between the parties. The elements of the road map are familiar to the Council. Alongside a ceasefire are economic and humanitarian measures and a political process. My office will continue to work with the parties at all levels on options to advance progress on those issues. We will also continue expanding our engagement in order to ensure that the broader concerns and aspirations of the Yemeni people are heard and reflected. Thirdly, I will continue to work with the region and international community on the broader security guarantees that are needed, including freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. First and foremost, Yemenis need to have confidence in any agreement reached. The region and international community, however, also need to have confidence that their concerns are met. That is how we build a durable support structure for a negotiated settlement. Within Yemen, civil society — and its ability to effect change — will also be an important part of that support structure. When I was in Aden, I met with a diverse group of women political representatives, civil society leaders and grass- roots activists. It is their bold and courageous voices — and those of many across Yemen — that compel me to reiterate today the urgent need to preserve and expand civic space. That is critical for the future of Yemen. I end by reiterating my call for the unconditional and immediate release by Ansar Allah of all those arbitrarily detained from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. The number of cases requiring urgent medical attention is increasing. The detainees need access to medical assistance; they need to be home I remain deeply grateful to the members of the Council for their steadfast support for Yemen and for my mediation efforts. A consistent and coordinated message from the Council strengthens the international community’s resolve to pursue a negotiated settlement. Its continued backing is essential to reinforcing the tools of diplomacy and fostering an environment where compromise, dialogue and — ultimately — lasting peace can take root.

I thank Mr. Grundberg for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher: I thank the Special Envoy Grundberg for his briefing, and the Council for its sustained interest in Yemen. As the Special Envoy described, a political solution remains the only path towards a better future for the people of Yemen, and every day without progress prolongs the suffering for millions. The Council has been clear: international humanitarian law is not optional, civilians must be protected, and the infrastructure they rely on must not be targeted. The Council has been equally clear about the damaging impact of the detention of United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) colleagues: they must be immediately released without conditions. The food security crisis in Yemen has been steadily accelerating since late 2023. Today more than 17 million people in Yemen are going hungry. That number could climb to more than 18 million between September and February. More than 1 million children under the age of five are suffering from life-threatening acute malnutrition. That number could also surge to 1.2 million by early next year, leaving many at risk of permanent physical and cognitive damage. We have not seen that level of deprivation since before the United Nations-brokered truce in early 2022. As we have heard, communities in Hajjah, Al-Hudaydah and Amran governorates are sliding back into acute food insecurity and famine-like conditions. Of course, that deterioration is unfolding just as global funding is plummeting, reducing our ability to feed the most vulnerable men, women and children. The funding gap is also extreme for life-saving health and protection services, especially for the 6.2 million women and girls facing the threat of gender-based violence. And support for survivors is severely underresourced, putting countless lives at risk and pushing essential services to the brink of collapse. With support from the Council and our donors, we can turn that around, just as we have done in the past. My humanitarian colleagues on the ground are doing everything possible to save as many lives as we can with the funding we have. As part of the wider humanitarian reset, we have prioritized reaching the most vulnerable people and finding smarter, swifter ways to deliver aid. For example, we have been able to keep cholera in check by zeroing in on community-level awareness and hygiene promotion while also targeting health and sanitation support to the most acute hotspots. As a result, cholera cases are down by more than 70 per cent, compared to last year, a significant step forward in a country where cholera is a constant threat. We are also implementing new strategies to sustain critical nutrition services. Through a new simplified protocol, our partners are maximizing the use of ready-to- use therapeutic food. As a result, more than 650,000 children with high-risk moderate acute malnutrition are now receiving cost-effective, life-saving treatment, and more than 3,200 health facilities will continue to provide quality healthcare to 7.2 million people in need, despite significant resource constraints. As we noted last month (see S/PV.9935), there are other signs of hope. Under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, an agreement has been reached between local authorities on both sides of the front line in Taiz governorate to jointly manage water supply systems and restore access to water for tens of thousands of households after years of deprivation. To accelerate people’s access to safe water, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund is now investing $2 million to connect 90,000 people — including displaced families — to reliable water networks. With the continued cooperation from the authorities and sustained support from our donors, we plan to scale up those efforts so that 600,000 people in Taiz can access clean water. Importantly, that means these people will no longer have to depend on humanitarian support to meet their water needs. Last month, we briefed the Council on another community-led breakthrough: the reopening of a key road between Aden and Sana’a, reconnecting communities, providing faster access to healthcare and other essential services for many and vastly reducing travel time between those two cities. I am happy to report that increased civilian and commercial traffic has resumed along that road for the first time in seven years. We are also working with our partners to clear unexploded ordnance along that route so as to reduce the risk for civilians. The people of Yemen continue to need the Council’s support, as do our humanitarian workers responding with such courage and tenacity. Since my most recent briefing to the Council, I have set out a hyper-prioritized global plan to save 114 million lives with just one per cent of what the world spent on defence last year. I have described today what we can achieve, even with limited funding in Yemen: reducing cholera by 70 per cent, backing local NGOs, reaching hundreds of thousands of children who were malnourished, getting access to clean water for hundreds of thousands and opening vital roads. We can do so much more if the Council backs us. Alongside support for the Special Envoy’s vital efforts, we ask, first, for increased funding to scale up emergency food and nutrition support; secondly, for the Council’s continued welcome efforts to secure the immediate unconditional release of our detained United Nations, NGO and civil society colleagues; and thirdly, for the Council’s active steps to uphold international humanitarian law in order to protect civilians, protect humanitarians and ensure access to those in need.

I thank Mr. Fletcher for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Nasser. Ms. Nasser: First and foremost, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its continued efforts to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and for its kind invitation, which has granted me the opportunity to address the Council regarding one of the most complex crises in our contemporary world. My name is Summer Nasser Al-Yafai, the Chief Executive Officer of Yemen Aid, a humanitarian and development organization working on the ground to provide comprehensive and sustainable support to communities affected by a war that has devastated the country for more than a decade. As the Council is aware, the local currency continues to collapse without control, and markets are boiling with unaffordable prices, while public sector salaries have been suspended for months, leaving families at the mercy of poverty and hunger, and forcing mothers to choose between medicine for their children or a meagre meal to survive another day. In recent months, I have witnessed the devastating impact of the sudden decline in international humanitarian funding, particularly due to shifts in donor priorities. That has led to the cessation of food distributions, the closure of health facilities and the suspension of cash transfer programmes — leaving hundreds of thousands facing an uncertain future. To make matters worse, the suffering of Yemenis has been exacerbated by the deliberate targeting of commercial and humanitarian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by the Houthi militia. Many of those ships carried shipments of grain, medicine and essential food supplies. Those attacks — an emerging form of piracy — not only threaten international maritime security and safety but also severely disrupt the delivery of vital supplies to the country’s ports, deepening the food security crisis and causing a dramatic spike in the prices of basic commodities in a country already suffering from economic paralysis and deliberate starvation tactics. At the same time, the Houthi militia continues to violate the rights of humanitarian workers through arbitrary detentions, harassment and restrictions on both international and local organizations, including United Nations agencies. We hold that militia fully responsible for the safety of our detained colleagues and call for their immediate and unconditional release. On the other hand, we must commend the growing cooperation we have experienced from the internationally recognized Yemeni Government, particularly in the southern regions, which now host nearly half of the country’s population, due to ongoing violations in Houthi-controlled areas. We also appreciate the efforts of the local authorities in Aden despite limited resources, the pressure of displacement and multiple security and economic challenges. The local government has demonstrated a sincere will to work and an ability to coordinate with humanitarian partners, which deserves both support and recognition. Nonetheless, structural challenges persist. Local authorities continue to suffer from weak institutional frameworks, scarce resources and a lack of technical support, making them heavily dependent on international systems to provide basic services. At the higher leadership level, the Presidential Leadership Council still faces serious obstacles in fulfilling its mandate due to the absence of regulatory frameworks governing the relationship between its components and the executive authority, in addition to internal political divisions that have slowed the pace of reform and created institutional and administrative vacuums requiring urgent attention. My people really do not need words of sympathy alone. They need a genuine partnership that places human dignity at the heart of its priorities and drives towards a just and sustainable peace that restores hope for the millions of Yemenis who have suffered too long. First, the Council must exert pressure on the Houthi militia to immediately and unconditionally release all humanitarian workers and end repressive practices against them. Secondly, it must protect international shipping lines and halt Houthi attacks on commercial and humanitarian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as those directly threaten the country’s food security. Thirdly, it must enhance long-term humanitarian funding and development funding so as to ensure the continuity of critical programmes, particularly in the health, food security and education sectors. Fourthly, it must provide technical and financial support to local authorities and liberated areas in order to strengthen their ability to deliver services and achieve stability. Fifthly, the Council must assist the Presidential Leadership Council in establishing its legal and institutional framework by providing the necessary technical and diplomatic support to enhance its effectiveness. Lastly, the Council must ensure that the principles of justice and accountability are incorporated into any future political process and that perpetrators of violations do not elude punishment. I look forward to serious action from the Council — action that reflects the magnitude of the suffering and challenges Yemenis face and that restores the faith of Yemenis in justice and in a more humane and stable future.

I thank Ms. Nasser for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I would like to start by thanking Special Envoy Grundberg, Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Ms. Nasser for their briefings. They have given us 12 very clear recommendations — three from the Special Envoy, three from the Under-Secretary-General and six from Ms. Nasser. I thank them for their clarity. I would like to make three points. First, the United Kingdom, like our briefers, strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. These attacks have led to the tragic loss of life of innocent mariners, undermine maritime security and global trade and pose a significant risk to the environment. The United Kingdom remains committed to countering the threat posed by the Houthis and restoring freedom of navigation. We will continue to work with partners and support the Special Envoy in a coordinated international approach to achieve those goals. Moreover, the Houthis’ continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen is a clear violation of the arms embargo, as implemented by resolution 2216 (2015). The United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism is critical to ensure compliance with the arms embargo and prevent smuggling of illicit arms. The United Kingdom calls on the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance with the arms embargo, disrupt the illegal weapons flow and support the critical role of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism in that regard. Secondly, as Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Ms. Nasser reminded us, Yemen is experiencing a significant deterioration in food security. As Mr. Fletcher indicated, and as the report on Yemen issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns, As others have said, the Houthis’ continued arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers is undermining efforts to meet the needs of Yemenis. The United Kingdom condemns those unjustified detentions, and I reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained. Finally, for far too long, Yemenis have suffered from a toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions. Now is the time to redouble our efforts towards an inclusive and sustainable peace. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Special Envoy’s work to deliver that.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their briefings. I have also listened carefully to the statement of the civil society representative, Ms. Nasser. I welcome the presence of the representative of Yemen at today’s meeting. I would like to make five points. First, China expresses its deep concern about the recent armed attacks on two commercial vessels in the Red Sea and reiterates its call on the Houthis to respect the navigation rights of commercial vessels of all countries in the Red Sea in accordance with international law, to desist from targeting commercial vessels and to maintain the safety of waterways in the Red Sea. Secondly, China is concerned about the new round of exchange of fire between the Houthis and Israel and the worsening trend of developments. We call on all parties to exercise calm and restraint and refrain from actions that escalate tensions. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is an international obligation that must be observed by all parties. Respect for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of States is a basic principle to which all must adhere. Thirdly, China welcomes that, with the assistance of the United Nations, an agreement was reached between Taiz and Hawban on the joint management of the water supply systems. That positive development demonstrates that peace, development and cooperation are the common aspirations of the Yemeni people. We expect all parties to the conflict in Yemen to show political will, strengthen dialogue and communication, gradually build mutual trust and create conditions for a final political settlement to the Yemeni issue. China supports Special Envoy Grundberg’s commitment to scale up his mediation efforts and expects the countries of the region to play a greater role to that end. Fourthly, China calls on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance to Yemen and to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis on the ground. In that process, the safety and security of United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers should be effectively guaranteed. Fifthly, the resolution of the issues in Yemen and the Red Sea cannot be achieved without the easing and de-escalation of the overall situation in the region. The fighting in Gaza must cease immediately. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must be brought to an end without delay. The two-State solution must be implemented as soon as possible. The postponed high-level conference on the implementation of the two-State solution should be convened as soon as possible.

Panama thanks the presidency of the Council for convening this meeting. We thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their valuable briefings. We also acknowledge the participation of Ms. Summer Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of Yemen Aid. We welcome the participation of the representative of Yemen in this meeting. The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate day by day, with alarmingly high levels of food insecurity. More than 5.2 million people are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity, while 11.9 million are in crisis — a reality that, according to some projections, could worsen further. This scenario reaffirms the urgency for the Security Council to maintain its commitment to the Yemeni people, who remain trapped in a protracted conflict. We reiterate our full support for Special Envoy Grundberg in his commendable efforts to bring the Yemeni parties closer to a just, inclusive and sustainable political solution. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue with local actors, including representatives of civil society, particularly women, whose voices are essential for building inclusive and sustainable solutions that lead to lasting and representative peace. In that context, we consider it timely to support the renewal of both resolution 2768 (2025), on the Red Sea, and the mandate of the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement, whose monitoring of the ceasefire in that governorate remains crucial. Al-Hudaydah is not only a critical entry point for humanitarian assistance but also a key hub for reducing tensions. Given the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen, it is prudent for the Council to maintain and strengthen its commitment to mechanisms that promote stability and the protection of civilians. The unjustified and illegal attacks by the Houthis against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea are once again threatening maritime security and the freedom of navigation. We cannot allow the Houthis to resume these systematic acts of terror, which not only undermine maritime security but also endanger human lives, severely disrupt global supply chains and hinder the delivery of essential humanitarian aid. Since joining the Security Council, we have strongly condemned — and will continue to condemn — these acts, which must not be tolerated or normalized by the international community under any circumstances. In the same vein, we find it regrettable that since our most recent meeting on this item (see S/PV.9935), no progress has been made regarding the unjustified and illegal detention of United Nations personnel by the Houthis. We therefore firmly reiterate our urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including representatives of the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations, as well as members of civil society and the diplomatic corps. We also remind all parties of their obligation to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from provocations or unilateral actions that, far from contributing to a solution, only exacerbate the conflict. Military escalation not only gravely endangers the lives and well-being of civilians, but also severely undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts, jeopardizing the prospects of achieving the lasting and just peace that Yemen and its people rightfully aspire to and deserve. We thank today’s briefers, Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary- General Fletcher, for their valuable updates, and take note of the contribution by Ms. Summer Nasser. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today’s briefing. On the security front, the A3+ is deeply concerned by recent developments in Yemen and the broader region. The recent escalations between the Houthis and Israel are especially alarming and will have far-reaching implications for international peace. We condemn all violations of international law and stress that these tensions are closely linked to the unresolved conflict in Gaza. We also underscore the need to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which would not only alleviate suffering in the occupied Palestinian territory but also prevent further escalations and spillover across the region. We welcome and encourage continued diplomatic efforts — particularly by the United States, Egypt and Qatar — to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The Council must support all genuine efforts towards de-escalation and stability. Sustained international support for such initiatives is essential for broader de-escalation and for restoring a credible political process in Yemen. The recently reported Houthi attacks on commercial shipping risk undoing months of maritime calm and threaten global trade. The A3+ expresses concern regarding the renewed air strikes conducted by Israel over the course of 6 and 7 July in Al-Hudaydah governorate. Such actions endanger civilian lives and raise the prospect of wider conflict. We urge Israel to cease further provocations and recommit to de-escalation. The A3+ stresses the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect civilians and reduce tensions in Yemen. All parties must uphold international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and take steps to prevent civilian harm and the militarization of populated areas. We commend the continued engagement, which has yielded tangible outcomes, such as the reopening of roads, the resolution of local disputes through direct dialogue and the use of coordination channels established under the 2022 truce. We welcome the agreement reached between local water and sanitation corporations in Taiz and Hawban to jointly manage water supply systems. That constructive step contributes to restoring essential services and alleviates the suffering of affected populations in one of Yemen’s most water-stressed governorates. The humanitarian and health conditions in Yemen remain grave. The spread of malaria, dengue and cholera is overwhelming the healthcare system. We therefore echo the appeal of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for immediate international support and urge safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Yemen. Failure to act risks catastrophic consequences for millions, especially people in vulnerable situations. Moreover, the worsening food security situation — especially in Aden, Lahj, Ma’rib, and Taiz — due to reduced food availability and limited access, demands urgent attention. We urge the international community to urgently scale up humanitarian support to Yemen to prevent widespread hunger in the light of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification projections for September 2025 and February 2026, which indicate that 52 per cent of the population will face Phase 3 or above levels of food insecurity. In conclusion, the A3+ stands in solidarity with the people of Yemen. We urge all parties to demonstrate restraint, commit to peace and engage in constructive dialogue. We call on the Council to support and protect Yemen’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and we recognize the tireless efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and regional actors, notably Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Since this is my first time in the Council under Pakistan’s presidency, I want to wish you, Mr. President, every success this month. I also thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher and Ms. Summer Nasser for their informative briefings. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen. The Houthis continue to be a destabilizing presence in the region. In recent days, the Houthis have attacked two commercial vessels in the Red Sea, leading to the loss of life, injury to sailors and the sinking of a cargo ship, the MV Magic Seas. The United States condemns those attacks, which interfere with the freedom of navigation. The Houthis also joined Iran in launching drone and missile attacks, continuing as recently as 5 July. Israel has the right to defend itself, and we stand with Israel in its right to self-defence against the Houthis. The Houthis continue to abuse their fellow Yemenis and to hold their country captive. That includes the unjust detention of a large number of staff from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions. The United States calls once again on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all of those detainees. The recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea demonstrate the need for continued vigilance from the Council. We call on Council members to join us and Greece in renewing the request contained in resolution 2722 (2024) — that the Secretary- General inform the Council of Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Similarly, we call on Council Members to ensure the functioning of the Panel of Experts on Yemen established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), a critical tool in providing the Council with information about violations of the arms embargo, under resolution 2216 (2015). Unfortunately, one member of the Council continues to impede the appointment of the arms expert to that Panel. The United States calls for the expert’s immediate appointment. This obstructionism empowers Iran’s defiance of the Organization’s arms embargo. Iran enables the Houthis to attack Israel, to threaten and blackmail our partners in the Gulf and to play a role in Iran’s terror networks across the wider Middle East region. The Council must not tolerate Iran’s violations of its resolutions. Another critical tool for the United Nations in enforcing resolution 2216 (2015) is the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism, which has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations through physical inspection of 100 per cent of containerized cargo. We once again urge Member States to donate directly to the Mechanism, which needs only $11 million per year to operate at full capacity. However, the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement has outlived its usefulness. It is mandated to lead a non-functioning committee tasked Finally, we once again remind Council Members that the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism clearance does not exonerate vessels from consequences arising from the United States designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. Knowingly providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization is a violation of United States law. The United States remains committed to depriving the Houthis of the resources that sustain their terrorist actions and network.

We would like to thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their informative briefings. We also listened attentively to civil society representative Ms. Summer Nasser. The situation in Yemen remains deeply concerning. Political and socioeconomic instability persist, with a significant risk of renewed hostilities. Armed incidents along the front line have increased, and each one risks escalating into uncontrolled clashes. The country is facing severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel. The country is experiencing power outages, and rising inflation is continuing to drive up prices. Those conditions are compounding the daily hardships of ordinary Yemenis. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance — nearly 20 million — has reached a critical level. The United Nations humanitarian response plan for Yemen remains critically underfunded, and the Organization’s already limited resources in the country are rapidly diminishing. The issue of United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers detained by the Ansar Allah movement also remains unresolved. However, the main obstacle to improving conditions on the ground and advancing humanitarian efforts is the lack of progress on the political track. We continue to see no alternative to resuming a sustainable negotiation process on the road map for the settlement of the Yemeni conflict, with its provisions formalized in binding agreements between the parties to the conflict. It is essential to create conditions for a fully inclusive dialogue involving all Yemeni stakeholders, including Ansar Allah. We support the mediation efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg. It is important to maintain focus not only on facilitating negotiations but also on encouraging so- called “small steps” to build practical cooperation between the parties. Only such an approach can lead to lasting peace. Continued stagnation risks widespread destabilization and deterioration across the region. Yemen’s internal issues are mirrored by growing tensions in nearby waters. After several months of relative calm, we have unfortunately witnessed renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. We strongly condemn the recent incidents that resulted in loss of life. We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and wish the injured a swift recovery. Russia rejects any actions that endanger crew safety, cargo security or the freedom of international navigation. We urge all parties to refrain from such actions and to restore calm in the waters surrounding Yemen. Equally troubling is the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Ansar Allah. Strikes on the territory of the Jewish State, including civilian targets, are increasing, as are disproportionate large-scale attacks by West Jerusalem on targets within sovereign Yemeni territory. On the night of 7 July, Israel launched another massive wave of missile and bomb strikes on Al-Hudaydah governorate, an entry point for most essential goods. Critical civilian infrastructure was damaged, including the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Isa and the Ras Kanatib power plant. The MV Galaxy Leader vessel sustained irreparable damage. Shrapnel from the Israeli strike hit the Sia tanker in Ras Isa, which had Russian crew members on board. While We cannot ignore the clear link between Ansar Allah’s actions and Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza. It is the actions by West Jerusalem — resulting in a sharp rise in Palestinian casualties — that has fuelled the escalation and widened the conflict across the Middle East. The continued suffering of Palestinian civilians is provoking a predictable response from the Arab street and several regional actors, including the Houthi movement. The only viable path to halting the spiral of violence remains an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, along with the restoration of unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations agencies throughout the enclave, as mandated by numerous Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Only then can we hope to stabilize the region, including Yemen and its surrounding waters. In that context, maintaining the United Nations presence in Yemen is of particular importance. The United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement plays a vital role in that regard. For years, it has served as a stabilizing force on the ground, helping to de-escalate tensions around the Red Sea ports and preserve their civilian character. It continues to monitor compliance with the Stockholm Agreement and facilitates interaction between the parties through the Redeployment Coordination Committee. Most importantly, the Mission enables a minimum level of engagement with the opposing sides — an essential condition for ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. In that regard, extending the Mission’s mandate at this stage is a necessary step that offers hope for preventing the inevitable deterioration of the situation.

I would also like to thank the Special Envoy, Mr. Hans Grundberg, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Tom Fletcher, and the Chief Executive Officer from Yemen Aid, Ms. Summer Nasser, for their informative briefings today. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in our meeting. In the past few days, we have been witnessing an alarming resumption and escalation of Houthis’ aggressiveness against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea region. Just a couple of days ago, on 6 and 7 July, Houthis launched two consecutive, prolonged and sophisticated attacks against the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carriers MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C, a few nautical miles away from the Al-Hudaydah port. The attacks resulted in the sinking of both ships and the loss of three crew members thus far, while 16 persons are missing, according to information available at this time. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and we sincerely hope that all missing persons will be found soon. Greece has been actively engaged in that endeavour from the first minute. The European Union naval Operation Aspides immediately coordinated the mobilization of all available means in the region to offer assistance to the attacked crew members, although no prior request for protection or escort was submitted in both cases. Let us be clear. Both attacks were launched in a well-planned and elaborated manner, with great ferocity and with the use of advanced weaponry, including drones, rocket-propelled grenade-type anti-tank rockets and anti-ship missiles, thus pointing to well-trained and fully equipped forces. Greece condemns in the strongest possible terms those blatant attacks and calls for the immediate and unconditional cessation of Houthis’ violence against the lives of seafarers and international shipping. We have a collective responsibility to protect The Council cannot disregard reality. The Houthis’ actions pose a constant and substantial threat to regional peace and stability, undermining the freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea region, a vital international shipping corridor, whose disruption affects us all. The Houthis’ indiscriminate and continuous acts of violence cannot be justified under any pretext. They must immediately cease all of those acts of violence. There will be no long-lasting stability in the region, unless the peace negotiation process in Yemen gets back on track. Greece underscores its unwavering support to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and his tireless efforts to engage all relevant actors in an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni- owned political process under the United Nations auspices, with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Yemen. The stability of the Red Sea region is an integral part of that process. Regional actors’ contribution to that end remains critical. We further call on all Member States to respect and faithfully implement the targeted arms embargo and prevent any illicit transfers of advanced weaponry and training to the Houthis, consistent with resolutions 2216 (2015) and 2624 (2022). As is evident, the European Union Naval Force Aspides, through its purely defensive posture, contributes substantially to safeguarding maritime security and the protection of international shipping industry and seafarers. In closing, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to the protection of navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea region and remain ready to further engage with fellow Member States on that important matter. In that respect, as the United States representative pointed out, we call on our fellow Security Council members to work towards the renewal of resolution 2768 (2025).

I would like to begin by expressing our appreciation to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings. And I express my appreciation to Ms. Summer Nasser for her briefing, which vividly described the situation on the ground, and for her valuable recommendations. We meet today amid troubling signs that tensions in and around Yemen have become newly inflamed. It is particularly worrisome that the Houthis have launched their first attack against Israel since the fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire was enacted. We have also witnessed a resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Against that backdrop, I would like to highlight the following points. First, the Republic of Korea condemns the recent hostile acts carried out by the Houthis in the Red Sea and in the wider region, and once again strongly urges the Houthis to cease all dangerous provocations. The Houthis recently asserted that their operations will persist until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted. Such words and actions by the Houthis only undermine ongoing efforts towards a ceasefire. The Houthis acted upon their conviction by resuming attacks against Israel. Furthermore, the recent strikes on two Greek-owned bulk carriers, which led to the death of four crew members in the Red Sea for the first time in a year, underscore the persistent and acute threat they pose to maritime security and the stability of the region. The Security Council must maintain its united voice to condemn the Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In that regard, we believe monitoring and reporting on the Houthi aggression is essential to ensure that the Council remains fully informed. Thirdly, we call on all United Nations Member States to faithfully implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, including the arms embargo. The situation in and around Yemen is a stark reminder that, when Security Council resolutions are not fully implemented as designed, peace and stability in the region are severely compromised. The Republic of Korea also underscores once again the importance of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism, which plays a vital role in both enforcing the arms embargo and alleviating Yemen’s long-standing humanitarian suffering. Fourthly, we hope that the glimmers of hope that we have witnessed on the ground will lead to more breakthroughs. As Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher just noted, the recent reopening of a vital access road between Sana’a and Aden was one positive example of cooperation and showed that where there is a will, there’s a way. In another positive development, the water authorities of Taiz agreed to cooperate across front lines, alleviating the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Yemeni people. We hope that all parties, especially the Houthis, will build on those encouraging developments to create tangible benefits for their people and restore trust. Lastly, we note with appreciation Special Envoy Grundberg’s ongoing efforts towards a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political transition, particularly his recent engagement with women’s groups and civil society in Aden to hear their voices and their hopes for peace. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its firm support for an inclusive political process and the realization of peace and stability for all Yemenis.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary- General Fletcher for their briefings and their relentless efforts. We also thank Ms. Nasser for sharing first-hand testimony and perspectives from members of Yemeni civil society, whom we thank for their recommendations and messages to the Council. Of course, we welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen in the Chamber. Since our most recent discussion on Yemen in the Council (see S/PV.9935), the region has seen further escalation, from which it is still reeling. Regrettably, hostilities between the Houthis and Israel continue, and this week saw the resumption of attacks by the Houthis against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. We condemn the attacks against the vessels MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C, which have tragically resulted in the loss of civilian lives. Those attacks threaten regional peace and security and have potentially dire humanitarian, environmental and commercial consequences. In response, European Union Operation Aspides continues to play its part to safeguard maritime security and freedom of navigation. We also condemn continued Houthi targeting of Israel and Israeli strikes against critical civilian infrastructure in Yemen. International humanitarian law must be respected by all and at all times. We echo the Secretary-General in calling for de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue. There is a clear need for maximum restraint by all parties in a region already marked by turmoil. We repeat our call for the release of all United Nations and humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis, which is not only inhumane, but compounds the already dire situation. Likewise, we call for the release of all detained journalists and members of civil society. Last month we spoke of the remarkable resilience of the Yemeni people and the power of local leadership, welcoming the agreement reached to open a key road connecting Aden and Sana’a, which is already delivering dividends. Today, Slovenia welcomes the report by Under-Secretary-General Fletcher on the engagement of the United Nations to manage the water supply and restore water access on both sides of the front lines. We know that one of the most pressing and sometimes overlooked consequences of war is disruption to water and sanitation services. Slovenia hopes that the agreement can help to restore Yemeni livelihoods and address a host of other interconnected issues, from malnutrition to the spread of disease. It is clear that progress is possible. What is required is courage and commitment by all parties — a commitment to peace and to the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people, above all. We repeat our long-standing and urgent call for reinvigorated discussions on a nationwide ceasefire and progress towards an inclusive United Nations-led peace process. We cannot agree more with the Special Envoy’s statement that the military option is an illusion. Further escalation — further violence — serves no one.

First of all, I would like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg; the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Tom Fletcher; and the Chief Executive Officer of Yemen Aid, Ms. Summer Nasser, for their insightful briefings. I also welcome the presence of our colleague the Permanent Representative of Yemen. France strongly condemns the renewed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have resulted in the deaths and injuries of several sailors. Those attacks are yet another unacceptable impediment to the freedom of navigation and pose a threat to the stability of the entire region. They must stop immediately, just as the Houthis’ continued attacks against Israel must stop. The Security Council must condemn those actions with a single, unambiguous voice. France will continue its involvement in the European Union’s defensive security and defence policy Operation Aspides, aimed at safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law and in coordination with our partners. France once again deplores the unacceptable suffering inflicted on civilians. We are deeply concerned about the conclusions of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report on Yemen, published at the end of June, which refers to the risk of famine. The Houthis must stop impeding the delivery of aid and allow the 17 million Yemenis suffering from hunger and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance to receive it. We must keep in mind the two dimensions of a situation that has gone on for far too long, with devastating consequences for both humanitarian conditions and regional stability. The first is internal and threatens to undermine the country’s unity. The Houthis’ seizure of power in Sana’a and their persistent pursuit of dominance have for years obstructed all efforts aimed at national reconciliation, while fuelling the ambitions of armed groups across Yemen, including Da’esh and Al-Qaida. The second dimension is international. Backed by Iran, the Houthis have chosen to plunge themselves into the broader regional confrontation — against their neighbours, Israel, countries whose ships transit the Red Sea and humanitarian workers. The Council must unite in giving all those engaged in mediation efforts, starting with the United Nations, and all those providing humanitarian assistance the support they deserve. The circumstances are ripe for that. The ceasefire announced by President Trump between Israel and Iran, which France has welcomed, should open a new chapter for Yemen and the broader region. Trust must be rebuilt between the parties. The Houthis must return to the negotiating table. Regional powers must support the process, which will be conducted under the auspices of the Special Envoy, whom France fully supports. The arms embargo must be strictly enforced. Only a political solution can bring an end to the conflict. It must be inclusive and ensure the full participation of Yemeni women and young people in the public life of their country. France reaffirms its commitment to Yemen’s unity and stability and to regional security.

Like others, let me also thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their substantial briefings, and thank Ms. Nasser for her analysis and concrete recommendations. After several months of calm, the situation is now again escalating. We strongly deplore the resumption of Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea this week, leading to the sinking of the vessel MV Magic Seas. We further denounce the attacks on the vessel MV Eternity C, which caused the death of several crew members. Denmark also strongly condemns the Houthis’ continued attacks on Israel. The destabilizing actions of the Houthis in Yemen, on the Red Sea and across the wider region remain a threat to maritime security and risk dragging Yemen further into regional conflict. They must cease immediately, and freedom of navigation must be re­ spected in line with international law. We need to see renewed momentum in the peace efforts, critical to improving economic and humanitarian conditions in the country. Unfortunately, the Houthis’ unacceptable involvement in broader regional tensions has continued to stall progress towards a road map for peace in Yemen. We are also concerned about the reported growing links between the Houthis and non-State actors such as Al-Qaida. We stress the value of crucial confidence-building measures needed to pave the way for the resumption of an inclusive political process in line with the efforts of the Special Envoy, whom we continue to fully support. As we have heard today, the recent opening of the road between Aden and Sana’a is a welcome example of such measures, which we hope is one of many. The opening demonstrates that, with political will, progress is possible. Denmark will continue to support all efforts to that end, to de-escalate tensions and improve the security and humanitarian situation for ordinary Yemenis who have suffered too much for too long. Amid that dire situation, Yemen continues to endure crisis upon crisis, marked by its status as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally. For the past months, devastating flooding has eroded livelihoods, displaced thousands, destroyed vital infrastructure and contributed to a renewed countrywide cholera outbreak. That emergency unfolds at a time when hundreds of health facilities have been forced to close owing to funding constraints. Those humanitarian needs are further compounded by shortages of medical supplies and frequent electricity outages, all of which undermine life-saving efforts on the ground. As food insecurity is soaring, malnutrition levels rising and epidemics spreading, we must find new ways to meet the growing needs of the population in all of Yemen. While humanitarian aid can save lives, it is rendered powerless if it cannot reach those in need. Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, must be able to operate in security wherever the people require aid. That is a major issue in Yemen, where the operating environment for humanitarian workers remains extremely challenging. We call on the Houthis to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure that assistance can reach all civilians in need. We reiterate our demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Pakistan. We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings. We also express our appreciation to Ms. Summer Nasser for her remarks on the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. Pakistan remains deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Yemen. Years of conflict have inflicted immense suffering on the Yemeni people. Political fragmentation, economic collapse and environmental degradation have further exacerbated their plight. What began as an internal crisis has since assumed broader regional dimensions, with serious implications for international peace and security. As the Special Envoy said, the situation is fragile, volatile and unpredictable, and we agree with his key point that there is no military solution to this conflict and that ne­ gotiations provide the best way forward. The situation requires urgent, collective and constructive action. The risk of renewed hostilities could jeopardize the ongoing fragile peace efforts and further aggravate civilian suffering. It is imperative to reinvigorate inclusive political negotiations and implement coordinated measures to address the interconnected political, humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges facing Yemen. In this regard, I would like to highlight four points. First, we call on all parties to build upon the December 2023 road map, which provides a credible basis for a sustainable political solution. The continued engagement of regional actors, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, is commendable. It has been instrumental in keeping the hope for the peace process alive. As Mr. Grundberg also noted, time is not on our side. A prolonged political stalemate can affect the gains made. All stakeholders must intensify efforts to break the political impasse and move decisively towards a Yemeni- owned and Yemeni-led political process, under the auspices of the United Nations. We also appreciate and support the efforts of the Special Envoy, including his recent engagements: the meeting with the Yemeni Prime Minister and interactions with members of civil society and women leaders of political parties. Thirdly, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. More than 18 million Yemenis, including women and children, require urgent life-saving assistance. The risk of famine continues to haunt, with millions facing acute food insecurity. We urge the international community to respond generously to the humanitarian appeal of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as reiterated today by Mr. Fletcher and noted by Ms. Nasser, to ensure predictable and sustained funding, and support the scaling-up of humanitarian operations. Fourthly, we join other members in strongly condemning the continued arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff by the Houthi authorities. These detentions, some ongoing since 2021, constitute a clear violation of international law and represent a serious impediment to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the country. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained United Nations, diplomatic and humanitarian personnel, and for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Yemen. Let me conclude by emphasizing that only a comprehensive approach, anchored in inclusive political dialogue and urgent humanitarian action, can pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Yemen. The Council must send a united and unequivocal message: the people of Yemen deserve peace, dignity and a future free from fear, hunger and despair. Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for peace and the stability, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and in the pursuit of those objectives, we shall sup­ port all efforts aimed at achieving a just, inclusive and durable resolution of this conflict. I now resume my functions as the President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

Allow me at the outset to extend my congratulations to His Excellency Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and to Pakistan on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I express to you, Mr. President, and your delegation my sincere wishes for success and prosperity. I also thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of friendly Guyana, for her successful presidency last month. My thanks also go to Mr. Hans Grundberg and Mr. Tom Fletcher for their briefings, and to our dear sister Ms. Nasser for hers. As this conflict enters its eleventh year, our patient Yemeni people continue to face enormous economic challenges and a humanitarian crisis of immeasurable scale — one that has persisted owing to the war waged by the terrorist Houthi mili­ tias, supported by the Iranian regime. Despite all the efforts made by the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government to advance a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, and despite their constructive engagement with regional and inter­ national efforts to end this conflict, including those of the United Nations through its Special Envoy for Yemen, the Houthi militias persist in their obstinacy and their in­ sistence on prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for Yem­ enis. They continue their military escalation and their plans to return to the cycle of violence and war, plunging Yemen into an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. We also warn against the Iranian regime’s interference in Yemen’s internal affairs and the smuggling of weapons and military experts to the Houthi militias, in blatant violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among them resolution 2216 (2015). The Yemeni Government warns of the grave consequences of the Houthis’ continued efforts to drag Yemen and its people into destructive regional conflicts. It holds the militias and their supporters fully responsible for the dire consequences of any reckless actions that would plunge Yemen into further crises — including the militarization of international waterways, threats to food security, the erosion of what remains of Yemenis’ livelihoods, and the worsening of the humanitarian crisis. These militias’ reckless adventures have harmed the interests of the Yemeni people, destroyed their resources and achievements, and continued to lead the country towards further ruin and devastation. The Houthi militias, who claim to seek peace, commit daily grave violations against our Yemeni people in areas under their control, in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. These include the abduction of staff from United Nations agencies, international organizations operating in Yemen, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions; the storming and looting of their premises and property; the theft of humanitarian aid; and the deliberate creation of crises to serve their subversive agenda. They exploit the suffering of Yemenis as a tool for political blackmail. Areas under the control of the Houthi militias have become arenas of repression and terror, where the most egregious violations are committed against our people, including killings, abductions, torture, extortion, the imposition of levies, the looting of public and private property, the recruitment of thousands of children and their deployment to the front lines of death. In addition, the militias have indiscriminately planted hundreds of thousands of landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices across various areas under their control, with the aim of harming innocent civilians , especially women, children and the elderly. They have been spreading fear among the peaceful population and committing a long series of systematic violations targeting Yemenis’ lives, property and sources of livelihood, in flagrant violation of all international conventions, humanitarian principles and moral values. The most recent of these crimes is the heinous act committed by the Houthi militias in the Salafiyah district of Raymah governorate, where they killed Sheikh Saleh Hantous and his grandson, and injured his wife, after imposing a siege on his home and launching an armed assault that destroyed the house and set neighbouring homes ablaze. This scene reflects the brutality of these militias and their attempt to break the will of the Yemeni community and impose their destructive, foreign- backed project through violence and terrorism. These crimes are part of a recurring pattern of criminality by the militias against Yemenis and clearly reveal a vengeful and hateful mindset that holds no regard for the Yemeni people or land. They continue to pursue their destructive project, targeting all aspects of life, stability and decent living, terrorizing the population and forcing them into displacement. We affirm that these crimes against the Yemeni people and against those who reject their repressive and sectarian project will not go unpunished. We call on international human rights and humanitarian organizations to document these crimes and violations in a way that contributes to protecting the victims, delivering justice and preventing the continuation of this systematic terrorism. In this context, we reaffirm once again that securing international maritime routes and safeguarding maritime security and regional and global stability cannot be achieved without restoring the Yemeni State and enabling the Government to exercise full authority over the entire coastline and all national territory. The coup by these Iranian-backed militias must be ended, as it seeks to turn Yemen into a forward operating base for threatening regional and international interests and advancing expansionist ambitions. The sinking of a tanker carrying approximately 17,000 metric tons of highly dangerous ammonium nitrate poses the risk of a large-scale environmental disaster in Yemen’s territorial waters and the Red Sea, as well as an economic and humanitarian catastrophe for hundreds of thousands of Yemenis who depend on marine resources for their livelihoods. The sunken vessel also threatens ships navigating vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. The Yemeni Government calls on all States, organizations and international bodies concerned with marine environmental protection to act swiftly to address the Magic Seas tanker crisis and avert a serious environmental disaster. It also stresses the need for effective international mechanisms to respond urgently to such incidents and disasters, especially in the light of the continued direct attacks by the Houthi militias on oil and chemical tankers in international shipping lanes. I draw the attention of the Council and the United Nations to a dangerous development: the terrorist Houthi militias have seized the Nautica tanker, which was purchased by the United Nations as part of its plan to rescue the decaying FSO Safer tanker anchored off the coast of Al-Hudaydah. This plan was intended to prevent an environmental, economic and humanitarian disaster in Yemen and the region. We had previously warned, in August 2023, of the militias’ seizure of the Nautica, the designated replacement for the FSO Safer tanker, and called on the international community and the United Nations to monitor the implementation of the rescue plan to ensure that the vessel would not be exploited for the militias’ own purposes. The Houthis’ seizure of the Nautica and its conversion into a floating storage facility for smuggling and storing Iranian oil constitutes a flagrant violation of the agreements and commitments made with the United Nations regarding the FSO Safer tanker. It undermines the efforts of the Council and the United Nations and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the security and integrity of United Nations and international organizations assets and operations. The militias are now using both the Nautica and the decaying FSO Safer, despite the risk of sinking or explosion, to store oil shipments arriving at ports under their control. We call on the Council and the United Nations to assume their responsibilities, conduct an urgent investigation, restore full United Nations oversight of the vessel, and prevent the Houthis from using it to serve their interests, circumventing its designation decision and sanctions. The perpetrators of these violations must be held to account. The economic and services situation remains the most pressing challenge for the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government, and is at the top of their priorities. In this regard, the Government continues to implement economic, financial and administrative reforms, fulfil its essential obligations and work to improve economic and service conditions, in particular in the areas of electricity and energy, regular salary payments, sustainability of basic services, stabilization of the The Yemeni Government appeals to sisterly and friendly countries, as well as international donor organizations, to support its efforts to provide essential services, meet its unavoidable obligations, strengthen economic stability and respond to the priorities of the current moment. Such support aligns with the broader efforts of the international and regional community to achieve peace and restore security and stability in Yemen and represents an investment in regional and international peace and security. In this regard, we highly value the fraternal positions of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Their economic, development and humanitarian interventions alongside the Yemeni people have played a vital role in enabling the State to continue fulfilling its essential obligations over the past years. In conclusion, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government reaffirm their commitment to the path of peace and their support for all regional and international efforts, as well as the efforts of the United Nations through its Special Envoy for Yemen, aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace based on the agreed political solution frameworks, foremost among which are the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2216 (2015). We reiterate that the success of any political approach to achieving peace and resolving the Yemeni crisis requires addressing the root causes of the conflict — namely, the Houthi militia’s coup against the State, its constitutional institutions, the national consensus and the aspirations of the Yemeni people. It also requires recognizing the destructive path these militias have taken, which threatens the security and stability of Yemen, the region and the world.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.