Yemen: UN boss expresses deep concern following Israeli attack on Sana’a International Airport

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong condemnation of the rising violence involving Yemen and Israel, according to his associate spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay.

Israeli warplanes struck the Sana’a airport on Thursday in response to what it described as repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel.

The attacks reportedly caused at least three deaths and numerous injuries. The strikes occurred while WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was preparing to depart from the airport.

Fortunately, Tedros and his team were unharmed. His visit aimed to negotiate the release of UN hostages held by the Houthis and assess Yemen’s dire humanitarian and health conditions.

Reacting to the incident, Guterres voiced deep concern over the potential for further regional escalation, urging all parties to “cease all military actions and exercise utmost restraint,” Tremblay said.

He warned that attacks on Sana’a airport and Red Sea ports endanger critical humanitarian operations, vital for millions requiring urgent aid.

Tremblay highlighted the gravity of “Israeli airstrikes today on Sana’a International Airport, the Red Sea ports and power stations in Yemen,” noting their particularly alarming nature.

She also noted the adverse impact of these actions on mediation efforts led by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. The UN boss, she stressed, called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of detained UN personnel and reported that a humanitarian worker injured in the strikes is now receiving medical care.

Tremblay confirmed Tedros’ team remains in Sana’a and will evaluate the airport’s condition before deciding on departure.

Regarding the UN condemnation of Israel, she stated, “Right now, what we have is this statement.”