The UK condemns Houthi attacks against Israel and their wider destabilising activity in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
The UK is deeply alarmed by the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv which saw an Israeli civilian killed in his home and 10 other civilians wounded. My Foreign Secretary condemned this reckless escalation in his statement to the UK Parliament last week. We call for urgent de-escalation.
Since October 7th, the Houthis have launched UAVs and missiles towards Israel, in dangerous and illegal attacks. These actions risk a further deterioration in the stability and security of the region and we call upon the Security Council to condemn the Houthi attacks against Israel in addition to their wider destabilising activity in the Red Sea. This includes launching over 305 attacks against international shipping, impacting over 100 ships and killing innocent crew. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew illegally detained by the Houthis since November 2023.
In addition, we must not lose sight of the fact that Houthi actions, enabled by support from Iran, are part of a wider Iranian strategy to destabilise the region with its malign influence and use of proxies. We call upon Iran to cease its nefarious support to armed groups and terrorist organisations in the Middle East which only serve to increase the suffering of ordinary people.
Finally, while we can confirm that there was no UK involvement in the Israeli strikes against the Houthis on 20 July, the UK remains resolute in its support to Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international law and international humanitarian law. The Houthis seek to use the situation in Gaza as justification for their reckless behaviour. Let me be clear, there is no justification for these attacks and more broadly there can be no military solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Yemenis are once again paying the price for the destructive actions of the Houthis and further escalation will only worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.
A diplomatic solution in the region is the only way forward. We strongly support the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, get the hostages out and humanitarian aid in. The deal, as endorsed by this Council in resolution 2735, is the best chance to secure lasting peace. Innocent Palestinians continue to face unfathomable human suffering in Gaza, with a devastating impact on women and children. At least 120 hostages remain in horrific conditions. We urge both sides to show flexibility in negotiations and to recommit themselves to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution. President, I reiterate the UK’s call for de-escalation and for meaningful progress to bring about lasting peace and security for the region.