Four countries abstained
UN Security Council issues resolution over Houthi attacks
January 11, 2024, 3:08 a.m
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The United Nations Security Council is calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebels to immediately stop their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The resolution was passed without any dissenting votes. Several of Russia’s additional requests were rejected.
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an end to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on merchant ships in the Red Sea. The paper adopted in New York condemns the attacks and calls for their “immediate cessation.” Eleven countries voted in favor. Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique abstained. Japan and the USA introduced the resolution.
The vote was postponed by a few hours at short notice because Russia had submitted several additional requests, but all of them were rejected. Since the Gaza war broke out between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with alleged Israeli connections in the Red Sea. The rebels threaten that only freighters delivering aid to the Gaza Strip would be granted passage.
The missile and drone attacks would hinder international trade, undermine maritime law and harm peace and security in the region, the resolution said. The text emphasizes support for the US-led task force to defend the ships. At the same time, there are warnings against an escalation of tensions.
Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Over ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the South African Cape of Good Hope extends transport by at least a week.