Sana'a - New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations expressed its deep concern and sadness over reports of dozens of deaths and injuries in airstrikes on a migrant detention center in Yemen's Saada Governorate.
This was stated by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, who stated that, according to preliminary information, 68 migrants were killed and 48 others injured in the strikes.
He said in his daily press conference that the number of "tragic losses of life" is likely to rise as search and rescue efforts, led by frontline responders, continue.
He added: "Although our colleagues from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have not been working in this particular facility, they remain committed to closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide support as needed."
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted reports that hospitals in the area are overwhelmed due to limited capacity, with two nearby hospitals receiving more than 50 wounded, "many of whom are in critical condition." Mr. Dujarric said that these strikes "pose an increasing risk to the civilian population in Yemen." He added that the United Nations had also received reports of eight people killed and six others injured, including women and children, in the Bani Al-Harith district of Sana'a Governorate on Sunday.
He said, "We continue to call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians."
A few days ago, the United Nations expressed deep concern about the impact of ongoing airstrikes on civilians and the infrastructure they rely on in Yemen, including health facilities, and called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
This was stated by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric at his press conference in New York, where he said that the organization's humanitarian partners are intensifying their emergency support to meet the growing needs related to airstrikes on the city of Hodeidah, which have exceeded 20 airstrikes since last week.
He also expressed the United Nations' deep concern about the continued missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against Israel and in the Red Sea, and called on the group to cease these attacks immediately. Mr. Dujarric added that the United Nations continues to receive updates on the devastating impact of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in recent days. He also noted that earlier airstrikes damaged a hospital in Al Bayda Governorate, where humanitarian partners were running an emergency obstetric and neonatal care program. He added, "The damage to the hospital's solar panels means they can no longer operate around the clock."