UN’s special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said his primary objective remained “the mediation of a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict” between the Houthi rebels and Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

But, “unfortunately, the ongoing war in Gaza, and the regional escalation associated with it, complicates my efforts”, Grundberg said in a statement during a briefing of the UN Security Council.

The Houthis, who have launched attacks on Red Sea shipping in a bid to pressure Israel to stop its war, are continuing their attacks, Grundberg said, while the US and UK are also pressing on with their assaults against Houthi targets inside Yemen.

“I reiterate my concern over this escalatory trajectory and repeat my call for the parties to put Yemen first and to prioritise a settlement of the conflict in Yemen,” the envoy said.