US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
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US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)

The ambassadors of the US, UK, and France have condemned Houthi attacks against infrastructure in Yemen and the group’s actions that threaten the peace process and damage the Yemeni economy.

The three ambassadors called on the Houthis to stop further attacks on civilian infrastructure. They also urged the militias to remove restrictions imposed on women, especially those working in the humanitarian field.

Moreover, the diplomats said they discussed Saudi and Omani efforts spent towards achieving a peaceful solution through dialogue with the Houthis and in coordination with the United Nations Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, and the Yemeni government.

The ambassadors said that those efforts were pivotal for achieving a sustainable peace in Yemen.

They emphasized the importance of a thriving economy in Yemen, the provision of job and livelihood opportunities for the Yemeni people, and the provision of basic public services.

The ambassadors also renewed their support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the government and the central bank in Aden.

They affirmed that they would work with the international community to mobilize support for Yemen.

Urgent support is necessary to prevent a further deterioration of the Yemeni economy.

“Yemen possesses natural resources that enable it to meet the needs of its citizens if it is able to resume exporting oil and gas, without being attacked by the Houthis,” the ambassadors said in a joint statement.

They expressed their concern towards the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Worsening humanitarian conditions have left 17 million vulnerable Yemenis in need of relief aid in 2023.

The statement urged Yemen’s warring parties to allow freedom of movement for aid, so that it reaches beneficiaries in need.

To date, obstacles, interference, and lack of security continue to limit aid delivery.

The ambassadors concluded their statement by calling on “Houthis to advance the interests of Yemenis and engage constructively with all parties in their efforts to achieve peace.”



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.