Tag Archives: escalation

Yemen: UN warns against Houthi-Israel escalation, calls for dialogue

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On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s main airport in the capital, Sana’a, destroying the last operational Yemenia Airways plane, according to media reports.

The attack came a day after the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, fired missiles at Israel.  

Fragile situation worsening

In Yemen, the rebels have been fighting with Government troops, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for over a decade. But since the start of the war in Gaza they have been targeting Israel as well as commercial ships in the Red Sea, as an act of solidarity with Palestinians.

“The ongoing military confrontation between the Houthis and Israel is exacerbating an already very fragile situation in Yemen and the broader region,”  said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

“Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a airport in Yemen and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, are unacceptable.”

He said the strike on Sana’a airport and the destruction of the civilian aircraft “deprives many Yemenis of a critical means to leave the country for medical, educational, family or religious regions, especially at a time when thousands of pilgrims are preparing for the Hajj.”

De-escalation and dialogue

The Spokesman called on all stakeholders, including the Houthis, to de-escalate and exercise restraint, uphold their obligations under international law, and protect civilian infrastructure.                                     

He also urged the warring parties to return to the intra-Yemeni dialogue, with the support of the region, as the only viable path toward lasting peace and security.

In related developments, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen concluded a visit to Oman’s capital Muscat on Wednesday, his office said in a statement.

Hans Grundberg met senior Omani officials, members of Ansar Allah leadership and representatives of the diplomatic community, including senior Iranian officials. 

“Discussions focused on the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansar Allah and the need to translate this into sustainable progress that benefits all Yemenis and includes guarantees for the region and international community,” the statement said.

The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Oman and came into effect on 6 May following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Free detained personnel

Mr. Grundberg further addressed regional dynamics and the shared responsibility of all to support de-escalation and a UN-led political process for a durable and comprehensive resolution to the conflict in Yemen. 

As the Houthis continue to arbitrarily detain scores of personnel from the UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, the Special Envoy called for their immediate and unconditional release in all his engagements.

“He stressed that their prolonged detention is not only unjustifiable but undermines the UN’s and international community’s ability to provide humanitarian support to millions of Yemenis,” the statement said. 

Sudden escalation of trade tensions sends shockwaves through global economy

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Tariff-driven price pressures are adding to inflation risks, leaving trade-dependent economies particularly vulnerable.

Higher tariffs and shifting trade policies are threatening to disrupt global supply chains, raise production costs, and delay key investment decisions – all of this weakening the prospects for global growth.

General slowdown

The economic slowdown is widespread, affecting both developed and developing economies around the world, according to the report.

In the United States, growth is projected to slow “significantly”, said DESA, as higher tariffs and policy uncertainty are expected to weigh on private investment and consumer spending.

Several major developing economies, including Brazil and Mexico, are also experiencing downward revisions in their growth forecasts.

China’s economy is expected to grow by 4.6 per cent this year, down from 5.0 per cent in 2024. This slowdown reflects a weakening in consumer confidence, disruptions in export-driven manufacturing, and ongoing challenges in the Chinese property sector.

Inflation risks

By early 2025, inflation had exceeded pre-pandemic averages in two-thirds of countries worldwide, with more than 20 developing economies experiencing double-digit inflation rates.

This comes despite global headline inflation easing between 2023 and 2024.

Food inflation remained especially high in Africa, and in South and Western Asia, averaging above six per cent. This continues to hit low-income households hardest.

Rising trade barriers and climate-related shocks are further driving up inflation, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated policies to stabilise prices and protect the most vulnerable populations.

Developing economies

“The tariff shock risks hitting vulnerable developing countries hard,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

As central banks try to balance the need to control inflation with efforts to support weakening economies, many governments – particularly in developing countries – have limited fiscal space. This makes it more difficult for them to respond effectively to the economic slowdown.

For many developing countries, this challenging economic outlook threatens efforts to create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle inequality, the report underlines.

Francoise picks out vegetables to resell to the Congolese traders at the Elakat market in the DRC.

 

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‘One Step Short of World War’, Warns Putin on France’s Idea of Deploying NATO Troops in Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned the US-led NATO military alliance against deploying troops in Ukraine, stating that such action would bring the world “one step closer to a full-scale World War III.”

During a speech to his supporters and the media following his decisive presidential election victory, Putin hinted at the presence of fighters from NATO countries on Ukrainian soil.

“We hear both French and English speech there. There is nothing good in this, first of all for them, because they die there and in large numbers,” he was quoted by Russian media as saying. “Anything is possible in the modern world… But everyone knows that this would be one step shy of a full-scale World War III. I don’t think that anyone is interested in that.”

Putin emphasized that Moscow is well aware of NATO’s efforts to send troops to Ukraine, noting the presence of French and English speakers in the region. He expressed concerns about the consequences, particularly the loss of lives.

In response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that the West might consider sending soldiers to assist Ukraine, Putin urged France to focus on de-escalating the conflict and aiding in finding a peaceful resolution.

In response to Macron’s stance, French politicians criticized his interview expressing support for Ukraine. Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Western nations, including the US, should not completely dismiss the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine if the situation deteriorates.

Even Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, rebuffed French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, stating, as reported by media outlets.

He asserted that it “would be a mistake” for NATO to send troops to Ukraine, emphasizing that it is a nation “we must help defend,” as cited by a report from Ukrainska Pravda.

“To enter into war with Russia would mean the threat of World War III,” Tajani remarked. “Our military is effectively fulfilling their duties in the Red Sea to protect our ships; they are also operating efficiently in Lebanon, Africa, and Iraq. Our armed forces uphold peace, security, and freedom. We are not at war with Russia.”