HUDAYDAH, 2 January 2021 — The Head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) and Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee Abhijit Guha is deeply troubled by reports of multiple civilian deaths and injuries as a result of shelling in Hudaydah’s Al Hawk district last night, in particular that women and children number among the casualties.

The Mission is following up on reports that suggest shelling landed at a wedding hall while a wedding celebration was ongoing. “I condemn all breaches of the Hudaydah Agreement, especially those that come at the cost of civilian lives. I urge the parties to observe their commitments under the Agreement in addition to their obligations under international humanitarian law,” Lieutenant General (Retired) Guha said.

UNMHA is in direct communication with parties to the conflict to re-engage them through established joint mechanisms and ensure their commitments to uphold the ceasefire and protect civilians.