The UN has raised alarms over Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and U.S. strikes in Yemen, resulting in numerous casualties and escalating tensions. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen due to a blockade affecting millions of children. Developing countries face severe financial strains as debt interest payments exceed climate resilience funding needs, as highlighted by UNCTAD.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the ongoing threats to shipping in the Red Sea as a consequence of Houthi attacks and recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, which reportedly resulted in over 50 fatalities. In a statement issued in New York, the UN denounced the Houthis’ aggressive actions against both merchant and military vessels in this vital waterway, emphasizing the need for “full freedom of navigation.”

The UN reiterated its concern regarding the U.S. strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. According to the Houthis, these strikes led to 53 deaths and 101 injuries, affecting civilians and resulting in power disruptions in the vicinity. The Houthis, who control significant territories including Yemen’s capital, have targeted Israeli-linked shipping in solidarity with Hamas, due to the ongoing situation in Gaza. The UN has called for restraint from all parties involved to prevent further escalation and to respect international law, specifically referring to Security Council Resolution 2768 (2025).

UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg has maintained close communication with Yemeni, regional, and international stakeholders, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. He has advocated for a renewed diplomatic focus to avert destabilization. The envoy has also called for international community support to enhance the effectiveness of UN-led mediation efforts.

In Gaza, UNICEF has reported that nearly all of the 2.4 million children in the area have been adversely affected by the ongoing conflict, leading to dire humanitarian conditions. Following a recent assessment mission, UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director expressed profound concern for the lack of essentials due to the Israeli blockade, which has continued for over two weeks, blocking vital aid including vaccines and medical supplies.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported a surge in prices, with cooking gas costs increasing by up to 200% compared to earlier this year, forcing residents to rely on black market sources. Despite the blockade, UN agencies are striving to provide necessary services; however, the situation is precarious, with UNICEF warning that critical supplies are poised just outside the Gaza Strip.

In a further alarming statement, UN economists from UNCTAD warned that nearly all developing nations are expending more on interest payments on debt than on essential climate resilience investments. UNCTAD’s Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, highlighted the financial burdens faced by developing countries, which severely limits their capacity to invest in health and education. In 2023, the average developing nation allocated 16% of export earnings toward debt servicing, exceeding the threshold established for Germany’s post-war recovery.

In summary, the article highlights pressing issues involving UN concerns regarding the escalation of violence in Yemen due to Houthi attacks and U.S. airstrikes, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza stemming from an ongoing blockade that severely impacts children, and the stark financial challenges faced by developing countries as they grapple with debt servicing overshadowing necessary climate investments. The UN’s calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts underscore the intricacy and urgency of these global predicaments.

Original Source: europeansting.com

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