Yemeni FM, Swedish Counterpart Concede to ‘Ceasefire’ Significance for Humanitarian Relief

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
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Yemeni FM, Swedish Counterpart Concede to ‘Ceasefire’ Significance for Humanitarian Relief

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Mubarak and his Swedish counterpart Ann Lindea agreed on prioritizing the implementation of a ceasefire as a critical measure to advance humanitarian assistance efforts in the embattled country.

This followed serious warnings from Washington against the devastating impact of the protracted crisis in Yemen and the severe repercussions of insurgency-led offensives in the northeastern governorate of Marib.

Houthi militias, backed by Iran, have waged a military campaign against oil-rich Marib, where over a million internally displaced Yemenis have sought refuge from ongoing violence.

According to Lindea and Mubarak, humanitarian relief is vital despite the intricacy of warring rivalries in Yemen.

Lindea, after a quick visit to the eastern governorate of Hadhramaut, landed in the Omani capital, Muscat, where she labeled an armistice in Yemen as the “most valuable humanitarian measure.”

“In Muscat, I met Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, talked about the humanitarian situation, ceasefire, political process. A ceasefire is the most important humanitarian measure,” tweeted Lindea.

“Parties should engage with UN without preconditions.”

“The war must end,” she reaffirmed.

During her trip to the eastern Yemeni region, the top Swedish diplomat met with Hadhramaut Governor Major General Faraj Al-Bahsani.

The two reviewed the current situation in southern Yemen and the importance of completing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement as part of the comprehensive peace process.

They also discussed the role played by local authorities in achieving both security and stability.

Lindea confirmed Sweden’s commitment to helping Yemenis achieve peace, produce a clear vision for political and security realities, boost women engagement in activities across various fields.



Israeli Strike on a Gaza Apartment Building Kills at Least 7 People, Including 4 Children

A Palestinian carries a wounded child at the site of an Israeli strike on an apartment, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, December 20, 2024. (Reuters)
A Palestinian carries a wounded child at the site of an Israeli strike on an apartment, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, December 20, 2024. (Reuters)
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Israeli Strike on a Gaza Apartment Building Kills at Least 7 People, Including 4 Children

A Palestinian carries a wounded child at the site of an Israeli strike on an apartment, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, December 20, 2024. (Reuters)
A Palestinian carries a wounded child at the site of an Israeli strike on an apartment, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, December 20, 2024. (Reuters)

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Gaza killed at least seven Palestinians, including four children, and injured 16 other people on Friday afternoon, health officials said.

The strike hit an apartment in the Jaffa residential tower in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp. The dead and wounded were taken to Aqsa and Awda hospitals.

The Israeli military did not immediately offer comment on the strike. Israel says it only strikes fighters and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas.

Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian casualties in Gaza and questions about whether it has done enough to prevent them.