Political / UN expresses grave concern over threats launched by Houthi militia against Kingdom and freedom of navigation New York, 07 Safar 1448 H corresponding to 21 July 2026, SPA – The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, expressed the Organization's grave concern over the new threats launched by the terrorist Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and freedom of navigation in vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea, warning of the risk of wider regional escalation. He stated that the UN is also deeply concerned about the return of hostilities and renewed escalation in large parts of the region, stressing that immediate de-escalation is essential. He said: "All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law," reiterating the UN's call to urge all parties to address their differences through dialogue and diplomacy." He added: "Any disruption to navigation in the Red Sea will affect the flow of UN shipments, especially humanitarian supplies and peacekeeping operation supplies," warning that the broader impact would be on global trade, energy trade, and trade movement in general. Dujarric noted that these developments come at a time when the world is already feeling the impact of the near-complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting repercussions on the global economy. // end //22:02 ت مـ 0222