Aden — The UN Security Council held a closed-door consultation session on Thursday to assess the latest developments in Yemen, as the country continues to grapple with a prolonged civil conflict, deepening humanitarian crisis, and growing regional entanglements.

The meeting featured briefings by Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, and Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, who provided updates on the political stagnation, escalating food insecurity, and deteriorating public services across the country.

Grundberg emphasized the urgent need to revive intra-Yemeni dialogue and warned against viewing Yemen solely through the lens of broader Middle East tensions, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza. He stressed that internal reconciliation and inclusive negotiations remain essential to achieving lasting peace.

Fletcher highlighted the worsening humanitarian conditions, noting that budget cuts and restricted access are undermining the UN’s ability to deliver life-saving aid. He reported that millions of civilians face acute food shortages, lack of healthcare, and displacement due to both conflict and climate-related disasters.

The Council also discussed the security implications of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and their missile and drone strikes against Israel, which have intensified since October 2023. These actions have prompted retaliatory airstrikes and raised concerns about maritime safety and regional escalation.

Several Council members reiterated their support for the UN-led peace process and called on all Yemeni parties to engage constructively with the Special Envoy’s efforts. The session concluded with a renewed appeal for international cooperation and humanitarian funding to stabilize Yemen and prevent further deterioration.