UNITED NATIONS — The United Kingdom condemned the Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel, describing them as “reckless actions” that risk escalating regional tensions, UK Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward said Monday at a Security Council meeting.
“There is no justification for these attacks,” Woodward stated, adding that the assaults on Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea are exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
The UK also called out Iran for its role in supporting the Houthis, accusing Tehran of fueling instability.
“Iran bears responsibility for the actions of its proxies,” Woodward said, urging an end to what she described as illegal activities threatening global peace and security.
While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, Woodward stressed that military actions must align with international humanitarian law. She expressed concern over Israeli strikes on Yemeni civilian infrastructure, including a recent attack on Sana’a airport that injured a UN humanitarian crew member and endangered WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Humanitarians must be able to carry out their important work safely and securely,” she said, urging the Houthis to release detained humanitarian and diplomatic staff unconditionally.
The ambassador reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to achieving peace in the region, calling for de-escalation and a comprehensive political settlement.
“Further bloodshed and suffering are in no one’s interests. We must break the cycle of violence,” she concluded.
