By Lee Jon-young

The UN Security Council on Jan. 3 held its first open meeting on the continuing attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, which are becoming an increasing threat to global trade and the stability of the entire region as the intense fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza continues, the UN News reported.

At the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari said, “No cause or grievance could justify continuing Houthi attacks against freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. All incidents originating in Houthi controlled areas must stop.”

He encouraged “all concerned parties” in the wider region to avoid any further escalation and de-escalate tensions and threats.

He called for a return to the regular flow of traffic to avoid the risk of Yemen being “dragged into a regional conflagration.”

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the attacks as unacceptable saying ships “must be allowed to trade worldwide unhindered and in accordance with international law.”

He reiterated a call for de-escalation “to ensure the safety of our seafarers, freedom of navigation and stability of supply chains.”