Yemen Peace Process at Risk Amid Gaza Conflict

In recent developments, the ongoing conflict in Yemen has taken a backseat as the world grapples with the escalating violence in Gaza. The US special envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, has emphasized the importance of not losing sight of Yemen's long-running peace process, which is at risk of becoming collateral damage in the broader regional conflict. Lenderking's remarks come during the UN General Assembly in New York City, where he is working to rally international support for a resolution to Yemen's decade-long civil war.

Since the truce negotiated in April 2022, there has been a slight reduction in violence and a minor improvement in the humanitarian situation in Yemen. Lenderking noted, "I do feel very strongly that a lot of progress was made in ways that meant something to the Yemeni people." He highlighted the resumption of commercial flights from Sanaa airport for the first time since 2016 and the significant prisoner release that occurred a year ago. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza threatens to derail these advancements.

The Houthi militia, which controls large areas of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, has declared a blockade on all Israel-linked ships crossing the Red Sea. This group, backed by Iran, views itself as part of the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and has vowed to continue its attacks on vessels until Israel ceases its operations in Gaza. The situation has escalated since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, leading to retaliatory strikes by the UK and the US against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Lenderking expressed concern that the Houthi campaign is a "self-serving agenda" that ultimately harms both Yemen and Gaza. He stated, "The attacks on Red Sea shipping are actually hampering commercial goods and humanitarian supplies getting into Yemen, and they’re hurting regional economies." The envoy's mission is to de-escalate tensions and keep Yemen insulated from the broader regional conflicts that could further complicate its already dire situation.

Efforts to separate the conflicts in Gaza and Yemen have proven challenging, as the UN's Yemen envoy, Hans Grundberg, noted that the war in Gaza complicates diplomatic efforts to advance the peace process in Yemen. Lenderking acknowledged the difficulty of this task but remains hopeful, stating, "We’ve put ideas on the table and made suggestions." He emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia and Oman in the peace process, as both countries have a vested interest in the outcome of the conflict.

Despite the challenges, Lenderking believes there is still an opportunity to harness international goodwill to support peace efforts in Yemen. He warned that US and UK airstrikes on Yemen could inadvertently increase support for the Houthis, which he described as "fundamentally misguided." He urged regional voices to question the Houthis' actions and their impact on humanitarian assistance and development in Yemen.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with rising food insecurity, cholera outbreaks, and severe flooding affecting various regions. The UN and its partners face challenges in responding to these crises due to a lack of funding and operational space. Lenderking highlighted the need to avoid complicating the work of humanitarian organizations that aim to support the Yemeni people.

As the world continues to focus on the conflict in Gaza, it is crucial to remember the plight of the Yemeni people, who have endured years of suffering. The international community must remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen, ensuring that the humanitarian needs of its citizens are met. Only through sustained attention and support can there be hope for a brighter future for Yemen.