UN Security Council demands Houthi halt to military escalation

Members of the UN Security Council have issued a statement demanding an immediate halt to military escalation by Houthi forces in Yemen and attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Council condemned ongoing strikes that have targeted civilians and energy infrastructure, resulting in casualties including women and children.

The statement highlighted threats to international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, emphasizing the need to respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Council expressed grave concern over reports that at least 125,000 people have been displaced across Yemen since early September, alongside the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Council called for the safe and unconditional release of all detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel and various NGO and diplomatic staff. They reaffirmed support for the recognized Yemeni government, the country's sovereignty, and the peace efforts led by UN Envoy Hans Grundberg to reach a political settlement through dialogue.