The following is a near-verbatim transcript of an excerpt of the daily press briefing delivered on Monday, 21 July 2025, by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

**Yemen

Turning to Yemen, we have seen the recent escalation between the Houthis and Israel. I can tell you that the Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the renewed air strikes on Hudaydah Port conducted by Israel today.  These strikes occurred while the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement was patrolling at locations to the northern parts of the Port*.

The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned about the continuing missile and drone strikes conducted by the Houthis against Israel.

He urges all involved to cease all attacks immediately.

The Secretary-General recalls that international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected by all parties at all times, including the obligations to respect and protect civilian infrastructure.

The Secretary-General remains profoundly concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region and reiterates his call once again to all involved to cease all military actions and exercise maximum restraint.  The Secretary-General also reiterates the call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthi authorities.

###

* Ports of Al Salif and Ras Isa (70km north of Hudaydah City)