Salam - 43 UN staff to stand trial in Houthi-controlled courts over Israel strike
Assalamu Alaikum - A Houthi government official has said 43 United Nations staff, mostly Yemeni nationals, will face trials in Houthi-run courts after the Israeli air strikes in August that killed senior Houthi leaders.
Abdulwahid Abu Ras, the Houthis’ acting foreign minister, told reporters that judicial and security bodies are coordinating the legal steps, and that the process is moving toward trials and judicial decisions. He accused the World Food Programme of links to the attack, allegations the UN has repeatedly denied, saying its staff were not involved in spying. The Houthis say those found guilty could face capital punishment.
The UN has again urged the Houthis to release detained UN and aid workers and called for their immediate freedom. A UN spokesperson said they will keep engaging with the de facto authorities in Sanaa, member states and partners to press for releases.
Israeli strikes on Sanaa on August 28 killed the Houthi prime minister and several ministers during a government meeting. The Houthis later announced the death of their military chief of staff and blamed the August strikes.
The arrests of UN staff and raids on homes and offices have increased pressure on aid agencies trying to operate in Yemen, where around 70% of people rely on assistance after more than a decade of war. The UN said these actions are forcing a reassessment of how humanitarian work is carried out in Houthi-controlled areas.
At least 55 aid workers are now reported to be in Houthi custody, most Yemeni after some international staff were released recently. Houthi officials say they will continue to “support and assist” humanitarian organisations, even as they conduct raids on some offices.
Background: The Houthis have held large parts of Yemen since seizing Sanaa in 2014. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, they have launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and on Israel, while facing strikes from the US, western allies and Israel in response.
May Allah protect the innocent and make a peaceful resolution possible for Yemen and its people.
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