A deal which would see the United Nations take control of Yemen’s most important port, and prevent full-scale conflict there that could leave millions more in need, must be seen in the context of restarting long-term political talks towards a lasting peace.
The United Nations envoy for Yemen expressed confidence on Thursday that a solution can be found to prevent further violence in and around the port city of Hodeida.
UN staff and other humanitarians “know how important it is” to keep operations going in the crucial Yemeni port city of Hodeida, despite the intensifying battle to recapture it that’s now under way, headed by Saudi-led coalition forces.
That’s according to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande, who told UN News that the worst-case scenario would be a prolonged siege, that could spark a fresh outbreak of deadly cholera.
She spoke from the capital Sana’a, to Reem Abaza.
As the Yemeni port city of Hodeida continues to come under attack from Saudi-led coalition forces on Thursday, seeking to drive out Houthi rebels who control the city, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are rushing to provide life-saving assistance to thousands of vulnerable families there.
An attempt by a Saudi-led military coalition to take control of the Yemeni port of Hodeida from opposition Houthi forces “will have serious consequences” on an already “dire” situation for millions of civilians, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen said on Wednesday.