Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
threats to international peace and security.
President, the UK is deeply alarmed by the Houthis' continued
missile and UAV attacks against Israel and their ongoing
targeting of international shipping in the Red Sea.
We strongly condemn these actions, these reckless actions, and
call on the Houthis to stop immediately. There is no
justification for these attacks.
Houthi aggression not only risks regional escalation, but it is
also making worse the already dire humanitarian and economic
conditions inside Yemen.
A comprehensive and inclusive political settlement remains the
best route to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Yemen.
We are also clear on the role of Iran in fuelling this
escalation. Its longstanding financial and military support to
the Houthis has enabled and exacerbated Houthi aggression. Iran
bears responsibility for the actions of its proxies, and it must
cease its illegal activity which is destabilising the region and
threatening international peace and stability.
President, the UK reiterates its support for Israel's right to
self-defence in the face of Houthi attacks. However, Israeli
action must be consistent with their obligations under
international humanitarian law, including the protection of
civilians.
We are concerned by Israeli strikes on Yemen's civilian
infrastructure, including the recent attack on Sana'a airport
which injured a UNHAS crew member and endangered the
Director-General of the World Health Organisation and his team.
Let me be clear, humanitarians must be able to carry out their
important work safely and securely.
Director-General Tedros was in Yemen to address the ongoing
unlawful detention of humanitarian, NGO and diplomatic staff by
the Houthis. We are grateful to him and his team for their
efforts and we call on the Houthis to now fulfil their
commitments and immediately and unconditionally release all the
detainees.
Finally, I reiterate the UK's call for de-escalation and
underline our commitment to ending the conflict in the region.
Further bloodshed and suffering are in no one's interests.
We must break the cycle of violence and deliver long-awaited
peace and security for the people of the region.
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