On December 20, 2024, the United Nations expressed deep concern over the escalating military exchanges between the Houthi group and Israel, including recent Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni ports and Houthi missile launches targeting Israel.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation, particularly following Israeli airstrikes on the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Isa, as well as power stations in Sana'a. These attacks occurred amid simultaneous Houthi missile launches that struck a school in Israel, resulting in significant damage and civilian casualties.

Preliminary reports indicate at least nine fatalities and three injuries due to the strikes, alongside major infrastructural damage to Red Sea ports, which will severely limit their operational capacity.

The Israeli airstrikes come nearly a year after the Houthis intensified their aggressive actions in the Red Sea, threatening civilian lives, regional stability, and maritime freedom. Guterres reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The Secretary-General continues to urge maximum restraint from all sides to prevent further escalation, warning that such actions undermine the UN-led mediation efforts aimed at achieving a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

Additionally, Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and other individuals arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.

In response to these developments, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council condemned the Israeli attacks, holding the Houthis responsible for escalating violence and violating national sovereignty. The Houthis reported that the Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of nine individuals in Sana'a and Al-Hudaydah due to numerous bombings targeting power stations and port facilities.

This marks the third Israeli airstrike against Yemen since the Houthis began their maritime aggression late last year, with previous attacks occurring in July and September.