UN Leader Decries Rising Tensions Between Yemen's Houthis and Israel
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United Nations, Dec 27 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized the escalating conflict between Yemen's Houthis and Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire, as confirmed by his spokesperson in an official statement.
The spokesperson noted, "Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport, the Red Sea ports, and power stations in Yemen are particularly concerning."
Reports indicate that these airstrikes have led to numerous casualties, including injuries sustained by a member of the UN Humanitarian Air Service.
During the airstrikes, a senior UN delegation, led by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, was present at the airport.
This delegation had just finished discussions regarding the humanitarian conditions in Yemen and the release of detained UN personnel.
Expressing profound concern over the potential for further escalation in the region, the UN chief reiterated his appeal for all involved parties to halt military actions and exercise the highest level of restraint.
Furthermore, he cautioned that the airstrikes on Red Sea ports and Sanaa airport pose serious threats to humanitarian operations, as stated in the release.
On December 25, the Houthi group announced launching two drones targeting the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Ashkelon, aimed at 'vital' and 'industrial' sectors.
"We conducted two military operations, the first targeting a vital and sensitive area in Tel Aviv. The second operation targeted the industrial sector in Ashkelon," proclaimed Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea during a broadcast on the Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
"Both operations were executed by drones and met their objectives successfully," he added, asserting that the group's actions against Israel "will persist until the aggression on Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted."
No immediate response was received from the Israeli government.
This morning, the Houthi group also claimed responsibility for a 'hypersonic ballistic missile' attack on Tel Aviv, which the Israeli military reported had been intercepted.
The Houthi group has ramped up its assaults on Israel following declarations from Israeli officials regarding plans for a significant offensive against them.
