The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, is now briefing the UN Security Council on recent developments and peace efforts in Yemen. 

During the briefing, Grundberg addressed attacks carried out by Ansar Allah on Israel and the Red Sea, as well as US-Israeli-led air strikes in Yemen. He stressed that "this mutual escalation endangers hopes for peace and stability, and shifts the focus away from the urgent need to address the internal crisis in Yemen."

Grundberg pointed out that Yemenis face restrictions on spaces for effective participation, with increasing arrests, threats, and intimidation, especially in areas controlled by Ansar Allah. The Special Envoy called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including 17 United Nations staff, relying on the Council’s support in this regard.

Grundberg also expressed his concern about the difficult situation experienced by United Nations employees and relief workers in the region, noting that Ansar Allah continues to arbitrarily detain United Nations employees, civil society workers, and members of diplomatic missions.

The Special Envoy warned that the military escalation in the Middle East threatens to spiral out of control, putting Yemen in danger of sliding into further chaos.

Grundberg stressed the importance of the parties' commitments towards developing a road map that constitutes the necessary basics for achieving peace in Yemen. In this context, he indicated the start of holding political dialogue sessions with political parties and civil society, with an emphasis on the effective participation of women.