Tue - 05 Jan 2021 - 12:47 AM ،،،
The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths expressed extreme concern over reports of recent violations of Hodeidah ceasefire and tragic loss of civilian lives, including children, in reference to Houthi projectile that landed in the vicinity of a wedding hall in Hodeidah last Friday, killing and injuring 14 people, mostly women and children.
In his statement, Griffiths urged all parties in the province to uphold their ceasefire and international law commitments and protect civilians.
He condemned all targeting of civilians or civilian infrastructure, extending his deepest condolences to the victims' families.
Earlier, the Head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) and Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee Abhijit Guha said in press release that he's deeply troubled by reports of multiple civilian deaths and injuries as a result of shelling in Hodeidah's al Hawk district on Friday night, in particular that women and children number among the casualties.
The mission is following up on reports that suggest shelling landed at a wedding hall while a wedding celebration was ongoing, he said, adding "I condemn all breaches of the Hodeidah Agreement, especially those that come at the cost of civilian lives.
Guha urged the parties to observe their commitments under the Agreement in addition to their obligations under international humanitarian law.
UNMHA is in direct communication with parties to the conflict to re-engage them through established joint mechanisms and ensure their commitments to uphold the ceasefire and protect civilians, he added.