The UN Security Council condemned the killing of World Food Program (WFP) staffer Ahmed Baalawi by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. In a statement issued on Friday, the Council also denounced the Houthis' continued detention of UN personnel, NGO workers, civil society members, and diplomatic staff.

The Security Council demanded the immediate release of all detainees and emphasized that threats against humanitarian workers are unacceptable.  Council members expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, stressing the critical need for unimpeded access for aid workers and UN staff.

Addressing the challenges to humanitarian aid delivery, the Council urged the Houthis to respect international humanitarian law to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.  They warned that Yemen's humanitarian crisis will only worsen without a political solution and reaffirmed their commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Council reiterated its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg's efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement.