Gaza crisis complicates Yemen situation: UN special envoy

UNITED NATIONS -- The ongoing conflict in Gaza is casting long shadows over Yemen, complicating an already intricate situation, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said on Wednesday.

Grundberg briefed the UN Security Council on the "steady progress" in mediation efforts in Yemen, disrupted by the recent Gaza crisis and escalating military activities in the Red Sea.

"As much as I have tried to insulate the peace process from wider regional dynamics, the reality is that mediation efforts in Yemen cannot be neatly cordoned off," he said, emphasizing the interconnectedness of regional events and their impact on Yemen.

Despite these challenges, Grundberg noted that "efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen will continue no matter what," when it is vital to preserve the political space and keep open the channels of communication.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi group stormed several northern cities and forced the Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, food and medical shortages, and a cholera outbreak, prompting the UN to label the situation as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of civilians in urgent need of assistance.

The recent Gaza conflict has further exacerbated Yemen's plight, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing violence and political instability, said the UN official.

Grundberg expressed concern over "worrying developments" within Yemen and a growing "sense of foreboding." He called for a regional de-escalation and urged Yemeni parties to avoid "military opportunism," focus instead on preserving the progress toward peace.

Grundberg called for a peaceful resolution that would offer Yemenis a better future.

According to UN data, in 2024, over 18.2 million people -- more than half the Yemeni population -- will need humanitarian assistance and protection services, among them over 11 million are children.