The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday on a resolution that would condemn and demand an immediate halt to the attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea area.
The resolution, drafted by the United States and supported by several other countries, comes amid a surge of Houthi attacks on shipping since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group that controls a large part of Yemen, have declared their support for Hamas and said they will target any ship travelling to Israel. They have claimed responsibility for more than 20 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea using drones, missiles, fast boats and helicopters. They have also hijacked and seized several ships, including one that they said was an Israeli cargo ship.
The attacks have caused alarm and disruption in the international maritime community, as the Red Sea is a vital route for global trade and energy. More than 10% of the world’s oil and 20% of its liquefied natural gas pass through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The strait is only 29km (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, making it vulnerable to attacks.
The US has accused Iran of being “deeply involved” in planning and enabling the Houthi attacks, saying they pose a “fundamental threat to international law and international peace and security”. Iran has denied any involvement and blamed the US and its allies for the war in Yemen and the humanitarian crisis there.
The resolution, which is expected to be adopted by the 15-member Security Council, would call on all parties to the conflict in Yemen to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to allow unhindered access for humanitarian aid. It would also urge the parties to resume political talks and agree on a nationwide ceasefire.
The resolution would also express grave concern over the Houthi attacks on shipping and condemn them in the strongest terms. It would demand that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and refrain from any further threats or provocations. It would also call on all states to cooperate in preventing the supply of weapons and military equipment to the Houthis.
The resolution would also welcome the formation of a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping and deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The coalition, led by the US, includes countries such as the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway and Spain. Major shipping firms such as Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and BP have also announced that they are diverting their vessels away from the Red Sea to avoid the attacks.
The resolution would also request the UN Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the resolution and the situation in Yemen every 90 days. It would also decide to remain seized of the matter and to take further action as necessary.
The resolution is seen as a diplomatic effort to pressure the Houthis to stop their attacks and to pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen, which has been raging since 2014. The war has killed more than 377,000 people and displaced four million, according to the UN. It has also caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 20 million people in need of assistance.
The resolution is also seen as a response to the growing regional tensions and instability caused by the Israel-Hamas war, which has sparked a wave of violence and retaliation across the Middle East. The war has also increased the rivalry and animosity between Iran and its allies, such as the Houthis, and Israel and its allies, such as the US and Saudi Arabia.
The resolution is expected to face opposition and criticism from some countries, such as Russia and China, which have close ties with Iran and have veto power in the Security Council. They may argue that the resolution is biased and does not address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen and the region. They may also call for a more balanced and comprehensive approach that would include lifting the blockade and sanctions on Yemen and engaging in dialogue with all parties, including Iran and the Houthis.
The resolution is also likely to face skepticism and resistance from the Houthis themselves, who have shown no sign of backing down from their attacks and have vowed to continue their “resistance” against the “aggression” of their enemies. They may also view the resolution as a violation of their sovereignty and a pretext for further intervention and escalation by the US and its allies.
The resolution, therefore, faces many challenges and uncertainties in its implementation and impact. It remains to be seen whether it will be able to stop the Houthi attacks on shipping and to bring peace and stability to Yemen and the region.