Sana'a -- In a televised statement aired by Al-Masirah TV, Deputy Foreign Minister in the Houthi-run government, Abdulwahid Abu Ras, accused United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organizations of politicizing aid operations in Yemen. 

The remarks reflect escalating tensions between the Houthis and the UN, following a series of detentions and operational restrictions.

Abu Ras claimed that humanitarian work in Yemen has been “exploited for political purposes,” and called on the UN to maintain neutrality and respect the sovereignty of local institutions. 

He alleged that certain aid programs were being used to “serve foreign agendas” rather than address the needs of vulnerable populations.

The accusations come shortly after the Houthis announced their intention to prosecute dozens of UN staff members, citing suspicions of involvement in an Israeli airstrike that killed several senior Houthi leaders in Sana’a in late August. 

The group has not provided evidence linking the UN personnel to the strike, which targeted a high-level meeting of Houthi officials.

The UN has yet to issue an official response to the planned prosecutions, but sources within the organization have described the allegations as “unfounded and dangerous.”

Human rights groups have also condemned the detentions and threats against aid workers, urging the Houthis to uphold international humanitarian law and facilitate access to life-saving assistance.

The latest developments mark a troubling shift in the relationship between the Houthis and international agencies, raising fears of further restrictions on humanitarian operations in northern Yemen.