Sana'a: The Republic of Yemen affirmed its firm position on the principle of freedom of navigation. This declaration was conveyed in a letter sent by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Jamal Amer to the President of the Security Council for July 2025, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
According to Yemen News Agency, the letter detailed a statement from His Excellency Field Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, dated July 8, 2025. It emphasized Yemen's adherence to international law and UN charters, which include the principle of freedom of international navigation in key waterways. However, the commitment excludes the Israeli entity and those providing it with logistical, military, or economic support contributing to actions against the Gaza Strip.
The letter also highlighted the establishment of the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) to ensure effective coordination with international shipping companies. This aims to secure safe passage for vessels uninvolved in supporting actions against the Gaza Strip and prevent unnecessary escalations. It urged all commercial vessels and shipping companies to follow instructions issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces, warning that non-compliance would result in accountability for any consequences.
The Yemeni government advised all entities, both governmental and private, to avoid engagement with Israeli-related assets to mitigate risks from ongoing aggression. It stressed that the Yemeni Armed Forces would continue targeted operations to halt aggression and lift the blockade on Gaza, aligning with international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The letter concluded with a call from the Foreign Minister for the United Nations and the Security Council to take immediate action to end the aggression and provide urgent support to the Palestinian people, highlighting the threat posed by continued Israeli actions to regional and global security.