Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, has expressed concern over the potential for destructive escalation in the Middle East. DiCarlo urged restraint, highlighting the serious risk of regional upheaval reflected in recent developments.
According to the United Nations Media Center, DiCarlo stated on Tuesday that Israeli forces conducted several airstrikes around the port of Hodeidah in Yemen on July 20, targeting what Israel claimed were Houthi military objectives.
DiCarlo also noted a drone strike on a residential building in Tel Aviv, Israel, on July 19, which resulted in one civilian death from shrapnel and injured ten others. The Houthis in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for the conflict in Gaza.
DiCarlo confirmed the safety of all United Nations personnel in Hodeidah and reported no damage to UN buildings there.
The Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the critical role of Hodeidah port as a lifeline for millions in Yemen, heavily reliant on imports like food, medicine, and fuel, mostly received through this port. She emphasized the importance of keeping the port operational and warned of the devastating consequences of military operations around this densely populated area.
DiCarlo echoed the Secretary-General’s call for all involved parties to avoid actions that could harm civilians and destroy civil infrastructure. She voiced concern about the escalation risks and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
