Did Gaza War Derail Imminent Yemeni Peace Deal?

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell
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Did Gaza War Derail Imminent Yemeni Peace Deal?

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell

Joseph Borrell, the European Union's top diplomat for foreign affairs and security, appeared unsure when asked about dealing with Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and what actions can be taken to counter this threat.

In response to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat during a press briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday, Borrell discussed whether recent peace efforts in Yemen could change the Houthi group’s behavior and its threat to international navigation.

He viewed the stalled peace process in Yemen as a side effect of the Gaza conflict, which postponed the announcement of a peace agreement that was planned months ago.

Before the Gaza conflict, UN envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg suggested for Borell to consider visiting Aden in the next two months for a potential agreement.

The Gaza conflict changed plans, revealed the EU’s top diplomat, adding that Yemen’s peace was near, but not anymore.

Borrell highlighted Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships as a significant regional problem.

He stressed the need for an EU mission to protect navigation.

Borell noted that the Houthi attacks threaten more than just Israel.

British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps described a recent assault as “the largest attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.”

The Pentagon had announced that US and British forces have downed 18 explosive drones, two cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards international shipping routes in the southern Red Sea.

Grundberg had held talks in Oman and Riyadh to shape a peace plan for Yemen.

The discussions centered on commitments made by Yemeni parties with mediation from Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Grundberg also met with the leader of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, in Riyadh.

They discussed local developments and international pressures to encourage Houthi militias to engage in peace efforts, alleviate the people's suffering, and restore legitimate institutions.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Grundberg outlined the peace plan, including a nationwide ceasefire, reopening roads, paying public sector salaries, resuming oil exports, easing restrictions on Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port, releasing conflict-related detainees, and preparing for an inclusive political process under UN guidance.

The parties also pledged the departure of non-Yemeni forces, reconstruction efforts, and commitment to a comprehensive and lasting political solution.



Ambulances Can’t Operate in Northern Gaza Strip, Health Ministry Says

A Palestinian man sits on the rubble of a house destroyed in the Israeli military offensive, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
A Palestinian man sits on the rubble of a house destroyed in the Israeli military offensive, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
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Ambulances Can’t Operate in Northern Gaza Strip, Health Ministry Says

A Palestinian man sits on the rubble of a house destroyed in the Israeli military offensive, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
A Palestinian man sits on the rubble of a house destroyed in the Israeli military offensive, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)

The Gaza Health Ministry said ambulances are no longer operating in the north of the enclave, where Israel has been waging a renewed offensive for nearly a month.

Eyad Zaqout, a senior ministry official, told reporters Monday that “a large number of injured people are bleeding on the roads.”

The ministry also said in a statement that Israeli forces continue to bombard Kamal Adwan Hospital with strikes on Monday, injuring some staff and patients.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The Civil Defense, first responders operating under the Hamas-run government, said last week that they were no longer able to operate in the north because crews had been fired upon by Israeli forces.

Israel launched its latest offensive in northern Gaza in early October, focusing on Jabalia, a densely populated, decades-old urban refugee camp where it says Hamas had regrouped. It has also carried out strikes in nearby Beit Lahia.

Israel has ordered the entire population in northern Gaza to evacuate, and tens of thousands have fled to Gaza City in recent weeks.

The three hospitals serving the northern areas are barely functioning and have been largely cut off by the fighting. Israeli forces raided one of them, saying fighters were sheltering there, allegations denied by Palestinian officials.

Israel has also sharply reduced the amount of aid allowed into Gaza, even after a warning from the United States that it could jeopardize American military support.