UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Thursday that Yemen faces economic “free fall” and escalating conflict risks, demanding urgent humanitarian and diplomatic interventions. Amid the Houthi attacks on Israel and retaliatory strikes by Israel on Yemeni infrastructure, Grundberg stressed that fragile frontlines threaten renewed violence, particularly in Marib.

Grundberg declared: “The cost of isolation is high, and Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering.” He urged parties to prioritize dialogue over military escalation and called for the unconditional release of detained UN personnel held by Houthi forces. Grundberg concluded: “Peace in Yemen is much more than threat containment. It is, first and foremost, about the Yemenis.”

Humanitarian conditions remain dire in the country. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya reported that over 17 million Yemenis—nearly half the population—endure acute hunger, with 1.3 million pregnant or breastfeeding women and 2.3 million children under five suffering from malnutrition. Without sustained aid, she cautioned, 6 million more could face emergency food insecurity.

Despite challenges, Msuya highlighted progress. A critical Aden-Sana’a road reopened after seven years, for instance, and the EU pledged €80 million in humanitarian funding. Operations, however, are hamstrung by funding gaps. She emphasized: “Humanitarians are clearly doing their best, but our response falls short of what Yemen needs.”

The ongoing conflict began in 2015 between the Yemeni government forces and the Houthi rebels, and the conflict has left many citizens homeless and in desperate need of assistance. It has been estimated that nearly 4.5 million Yemenis have been displaced, and the country as a whole is at risk of collapsing. The UN Security Council previously voted to extend its full support to monitor the operations in Yemen through the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, the validity of which lasts until July 14, 2025.