United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg stated that Yemen is entering a "new and more dangerous phase of war" as the fragile four-year truce collapses. This warning came during a session of the United Nations Security Council following the capture of the strategic port city of Mocha by Houthi rebels on Thursday. The Houthis' control of Mocha raises concerns about freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital trade and energy route.
Grundberg reported that fighting has intensified across the provinces of Taiz, Hodeidah, Marib, al-Jawf, and al-Bayda, resulting in civilian casualties and the displacement of over 11,400 households since September 3. The Houthis have also targeted civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. He urged the Houthis to cease attacks and threats against commercial vessels and called for ongoing engagement, civilian protection, and the preservation of a political settlement, warning that the conflict's repercussions will extend beyond Yemen's borders.
Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi, the UN ambassador for Yemen’s internationally recognized government, condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and affirmed the kingdom's right to self-defense. He rejected the use of Yemeni territory for strikes against neighboring states and stated that the Houthi escalation has displaced at least 6,145 families, approximately 44,000 people. He warned that the attacks in the Red Sea and advances towards Bab al-Mandeb threaten international navigation and called on the international community to impose restrictions on arms and support reaching the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador, Abdulaziz al-Wasil, condemned the Houthis’ strikes on September 8, which injured 73 civilians, describing them as part of a broader escalation that threatens the region and international shipping. He urged the Security Council to enforce resolutions 2216 and 2722, which address the conflict and call for the cessation of hostilities.
The United States echoed these concerns, accusing Iran of supporting the Houthis and demanding an immediate end to the attacks, as well as the unconditional release of detained UN, humanitarian, and diplomatic personnel. Bahraini Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated that the seizure of Mocha exacerbates civilian suffering and threatens navigation in Bab al-Mandeb, calling for accountability for the perpetrators and stronger enforcement of the arms embargo and sanctions.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that food access and malnutrition are worsening in Yemen, which is now classified as a "hunger hotspot of highest concern." An estimated 18.3 million people are facing acute food insecurity, including over 2.2 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition, with more than half a million classified as severe.