UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg delivered a sobering briefing to the Security Council this evening, warning that escalating regional tensions and intensified military strikes risk plunging Yemen back into full-scale conflict.

Speaking during the Council’s monthly open session, Grundberg expressed deep concern over recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Sana’a and al-Jawf, which reportedly killed dozens of civilians and senior Houthi officials. 

He emphasized that retaliatory Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel—some involving cluster munitions—have further destabilized the region and threaten to derail fragile diplomatic progress.

“The situation remains precarious,” Grundberg said. “Yemen cannot afford to be dragged into broader regional hostilities. The priority must be de-escalation, humanitarian access, and a return to inclusive Yemeni-led negotiations.”

The briefing also addressed:

- The humanitarian toll of recent airstrikes, including mass displacement and infrastructure damage

- The continued detention of UN and NGO staff by Houthi authorities

- The urgent need to stabilize Yemen’s economy and protect civilian institutions

Following the open session, closed consultations were held among Council members. Several diplomats condemned the Houthi attacks on Israel while urging restraint from all parties. Others called for renewed international pressure to revive the stalled peace process and ensure accountability for violations of international law.

Grundberg concluded by reiterating the UN’s commitment to a political solution and called on regional actors to support dialogue over escalation.