Greece condemns Houthi military escalation at UN Security Council

During an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on September 15, Greece condemned the military escalation by Houthi forces in Yemen, warning that the situation is bringing the country to the brink of a full-scale conflict.

Greek Permanent Representative Ambassador Agapi Baltas highlighted the Houthi advance along Yemen's western coast, including the seizure of Al Mocha port and the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Greece warned that these developments mark a “dangerous turning point for Red Sea security,” impacting international maritime safety, global trade, and prosperity.

Baltas called for an immediate, unconditional cessation of military escalation and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government. She emphasized that the freedom of navigation and the right of transit must be respected under international law and UNCLOS, noting that recent attacks have even struck Greek-owned vessels. Additionally, Greece demanded the immediate release of 73 UN personnel detained by the Houthis and called for safe, rapid humanitarian access for civilians.