NEW YORK: The UN Security Council on Monday denounced the Houthi attacks against international maritime traffic in the Red Sea and demanded that all such attacks must be stopped immediately.
The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November saying they continue to attack international ships until Israel ends its war on Gaza.
UN Security Council members stressed the importance of the full implementation of Resolution 2216 and other resolutions that seek an end to the violence in Yemen.
They stressed the need for practical cooperation, including with the government of Yemen, to stop Houthis from acquiring the arms and related materials necessary to carry out further strikes.
The council also called for the immediate release of the Japanese-operated cargo ship Galaxy Leader and its 25 crew members, who have been detained unlawfully by the Houthis for more than 100 days.
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Members stressed the importance of Red Sea maritime routes to humanitarian operations in Yemen and the local fishing industry and the Yemeni people.
They said that navigational rights and freedom by ships of all countries transiting the Red Sea and Baab Al-Mandab must be respected.
Council members stressed the importance of measures to boost regional and international cooperation to counter threats to peace and security in the region.
They also called for a de-escalation of hostilities in the Red Sea to preserve the peace process in Yemen.
They praised the internationally recognized Yemeni government and its measures to preserve the maritime atmosphere and called on all UN member countries to support that effort.
