On April 21, 2025, a United Nations spokesman raised alarm over recent U.S. airstrikes on Yemen's oil port of Ras Isa, where humanitarian workers have suffered among the casualties. The strikes, which occurred on April 17 and 18, targeted Houthi-controlled areas and resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern during a regular briefing, noting that five aid workers were confirmed injured and initial reports indicated over 230 casualties, including 80 fatalities. "We note with continued concern the airstrikes conducted by the United States on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen over the course of Thursday and Friday in and around the port of Ras Isa," Dujarric stated.
Following the strikes, a fire at the port was extinguished only on Monday morning, although fears lingered about fuel leaking into the nearby Red Sea. The situation at Ras Isa port has raised questions about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has already been dire.
In addition to the airstrikes, Dujarric highlighted the ongoing missile and drone strikes conducted by the Houthis against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, calling for an immediate cessation of such attacks. "We also remain deeply concerned about the ongoing missile and drone strikes conducted by the Houthis against Israel and in the Red Sea and call on the Houthis to cease such attacks immediately," he urged.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that assistance was quickly mobilized post-airstrikes to support local health facilities, including trauma and emergency surgery centers. The UN mission, known as UNMHA, has been patrolling Ras Isa port and reported significant structural damage alongside the destruction of facilities.
In a proactive move, the UNMHA is also planning to send a patrol to assess the situation at the nearby Hodeidah port. Dujarric emphasized the need for all parties to respect international law and humanitarian guidelines, stating, "We emphasize that international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected at all times, and appeal to all to respect and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure."
Furthermore, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. This follows a previous appeal made by the Secretary-General for the release of 23 UN staffers held by the de facto authorities in Yemen.
Meanwhile, the special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on April 20, underscored the importance of credible guarantees to prevent the Red Sea from becoming a prolonged conflict zone. He noted that these assurances are vital not only for global security but also to avert further destabilization in Yemen.
In a separate but related development, Israel issued a warning on the same day regarding potential mass pro-Palestinian protests planned worldwide for April 22, 2025. The National Security Council (NSC) alerted Israeli nationals abroad to exercise caution, highlighting a surge in targeted attacks against Jews and Israelis linked to the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
The NSC noted that it had identified numerous calls online for protests led by various pro-Palestinian groups, stating, "These events may turn violent against Israelis." The warning advised Israelis abroad to follow local security protocols, avoid displaying Israeli symbols, and remain vigilant.
This caution comes after a dramatic rise in protests and violence against Israelis over the past 18 months, particularly following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. In one notable incident in Amsterdam in November 2024, ten individuals were injured when angry mobs targeted Israeli soccer fans.
Hamas has previously called for global protests, including a recent call for demonstrations over the weekend of April 14-18, 2025. A senior Hamas official on April 21 urged Palestinians in the West Bank, especially university students, to organize “angry marches” and mass events in protest against what they termed Israel’s “war of extermination.”
In a message on Telegram, Abdel Rahman Shadid emphasized the need for the student movement in the West Bank to actively engage in protests and escalate resistance against Israeli actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
Hamas’s calls for protests have been echoed by various pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel groups, particularly in Western universities, which have organized their own “days of rage” to commemorate significant events since the onset of the conflict. These protests have often led to harassment and violence against Jewish and Israeli students.
The ongoing situation in Yemen and the heightened tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine reflect a broader context of instability in the region, with humanitarian concerns mounting as military actions continue. The UN and various international bodies are calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable populations caught in the conflict.
