UN envoy urges de-escalation, release of detainees and economic steps to stabilise Yemen

Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, urged the council in a briefing to press for regional de‑escalation, the unconditional release of arbitrarily detained people and rapid economic measures to stabilise Yemen.

“The United Nations has been consistent and strong in its messaging. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted, whether in Yemen, Israel, or Gaza,” Grundberg said, noting that recent strikes have damaged “critical civilian infrastructure, including the port of Hodeidah and Sana'a International Airport.” He warned that damage to the port and tugboats reduces the ability to unload humanitarian aid and that attacks threaten maritime security.

Grundberg told the council that the wider regional escalation — including strikes and counterstrikes involving Ansar Allah, Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom — has diverted…