The situation in the Middle East (Yemen) - Security Council, 9954th meeting

Speakers in Security Council urge de-escalation as renewed hostilities threaten fragile hope for peace in Yemen.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 01:38:41
• Production Date: 9 July 2025
• Asset Language: Arabic; English; French; Russian; Spanish; Chinese; Original
• Personal Subject: HANS GRUNDBERG; THOMAS FLETCHER
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION TO SUPPORT THE HUDAYDAH AGREEMENT- UNMHA
• Subject Topical: MIDDLE EAST SITUATION; YEMEN SITUATION; HOSTILITY; CEASEFIRES; CONFLICT; HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE; FOOD SECURITY; MARITIME TRANSPORT; ARMS EMBARGO; VERIFICATION; HUMANITARIAN CRISIS; HEALTH CARE; EMERGENCY RELIEF
• Geographic Subject: MIDDLE EAST; YEMEN; GAZA
• MAMS Id: 3421858
• Parent Id: 3421362
• Alternate Title: MTG SC 9954 YEMEN 09 JUL 2025 AM

Description

Renewed maritime hostilities by the Houthis in the Red Sea and retaliatory Israeli air strikes have sparked “a deeply volatile and unpredictable period” in Yemen and the wider region, a top United Nations official warned the Security Council today, urging immediate de-escalation. 

While welcoming the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, cited multiple missile attacks by Ansar Allah (the Houthis) against Israel during the reporting period. He further voiced grave concern over attacks on two commercial ships this week in the Red Sea, resulting in civilian loss of life and potential environmental damage — the first such attacks in over seven months. Noting that Israeli air strikes in response hit Sana’a and the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa and Salif, he emphasized: “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. A military solution “remains a dangerous illusion that risks deepening Yemen’s suffering,” he stated, calling on both sides to explore peaceful avenues, as “time is not on our side”. Meanwhile, the economy “has, in effect, become the most active front line”, he noted. Food insecurity is tragically increasing, with the threat of famine. Welcoming the opening of the Al Dhale’a Road, he called on the parties to move forward on tangible measures towards full, timely payment of salaries, increased purchasing power, and improved service delivery. 

Calling for de-escalation along the front lines and parameters for a nationwide ceasefire, he noted his office continues active engagement to build trust between the parties nationally and locally. 

• Briefer: Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (via video-teleconference)
• Briefer: Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
• Briefer: Ms. Summer Nasser, Chief Executive Officer, Yemen Aid
• Statements: All Council members, with Somalia speaking on behalf of: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia
• Statement: Yemen 

Related Sites and Documents

UN Meetings Coverage

S/PV.9954