WANA (Dec 31) – The U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN and the UK’s Permanent Representative voiced support for Israel and its recent strikes in Yemen while accusing Iran of fueling conflicts in Yemen and the broader region.

 

On Monday, Dorothy Shea, the U.S. Deputy Representative, spoke at a UN Security Council session on threats to international peace, claiming: “The Houthis launched a surge of attacks against Israel in December, disregarding civilian casualties. Reports indicate dozens were injured during an attack on a playground in Tel Aviv.”

 

Shea reiterated the U.S. call for the Council to take action against the Houthis and hold Iran accountable: “We know the Houthis are fully supplied by Iran, receiving capabilities for these deadly long-range strikes, including advanced missiles. Such actions violate the arms embargo imposed by this Council. It’s imperative that members, especially those with ties to Iran, pressure its leaders to prevent such attacks.”

 

She also called for strengthening the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism to prevent illicit arms transfers to the Houthis: “Recent U.S. strikes on Houthi positions were consistent with international law and our inherent right to self-defense. We remain committed to protecting our forces, regional partners, and international shipping.”

 

Shea added: “Israeli military operations, particularly in densely populated areas, must avoid civilian harm. However, the reckless behavior of the Houthis must end, and this Council must ensure accountability.”

 

Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN, echoed Shea’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive political solution: “A comprehensive and inclusive political solution is the best path toward a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Yemen. However, we are confident that Iran has played a role in escalating tensions. Iran’s longstanding financial and military support to the Houthis has enabled and intensified their aggression.”

 

Woodward also accused Iran of destabilizing the region: “Iran bears responsibility for the actions of its proxies and must cease its illegal activities, which destabilize the region and threaten international peace and stability.”

 

Reaffirming the UK’s support for Israel, she added: “The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defense against Houthi attacks. However, Israel’s actions must align with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”

 

Woodward expressed concerns about Israel’s recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Yemen, including an attack on Sana’a Airport that injured a UN staff member and endangered the Director-General of the WHO and his team: “Let me be clear: Humanitarian workers must be able to carry out their critical work safely and securely.”

 

She concluded by calling for de-escalation and reiterating the UK’s commitment to ending the regional conflict: “I reiterate the UK’s call for de-escalation and emphasize London’s commitment to ending conflict in the region. Continued bloodshed and suffering benefit no one.”

 

Since October 17, 2023, U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria have faced drone, rocket, and missile attacks. Islamic resistance groups in West Asia, including those in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, have warned the U.S. to expect more attacks in response to Washington’s support for Israeli airstrikes on Gaza following the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation.

 

The Yemeni Army has targeted several Israeli vessels or ships bound for Israeli-occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Yemeni forces have vowed to continue these strikes until Israel halts its assaults on Gaza.