In a moment of urgency, the UN Security Council convened on Wednesday to address the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, sparked by a series of attacks orchestrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari passionately cautioned against the perilous consequences of a military escalation, emphasizing the profound impact on politics, security, economy, and humanitarian efforts.
With a fervent plea, Khiari urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and defuse the mounting tensions, stressing the pivotal need for the Red Sea to regain its normalcy. He underscored the imperative of preventing Yemen from becoming entangled in a broader regional conflict.
Motivated by solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting vessels linked to or heading to Israel. However, indiscriminate attacks on ships unrelated to Israel prompted major shipping companies to suspend operations in the Red Sea, rerouting cargo ships on a longer journey around South Africa.
Speaking via video link, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, passionately addressed the Council on safeguarding maritime navigation freedom. He highlighted the significant impact of Houthi attacks on international trade, revealing that 18 shipping companies had already rerouted their vessels, extending journeys by 10 days and adversely affecting trade, freight rates, and seafarers.
The looming disruption raises concerns about potential short-term spikes in shipping costs and oil prices, amplifying the urgency for diplomatic solutions to ensure stability in this vital maritime corridor.