Yemen Affirms Commitment to Freedom of Maritime Navigation, Except for Vessels Supporting the Israeli Entity
The Republic of Yemen affirmed its firm position on the principle of freedom of maritime navigation.
This came in a letter sent by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Jamal Amer, to the President of the Security Council for July 2025, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, and to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.
The letter referred to the statement of His Excellency Field Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, dated July 8, 2025, which affirmed the Republic of Yemen’s commitment to the principles of international law and United Nations charters, including freedom of international navigation in vital waterways.
The letter emphasized that the commitment to freedom of international navigation applies to all states and entities with the exception of the Israeli entity and those who provide it with logistical, military, or economic support that directly or indirectly contributes to the brutal Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip. It noted that, in confirmation of Yemen’s commitment to avoiding any unintended harm, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) was established to facilitate effective and transparent coordination with international shipping companies, ensure safe passage for vessels not involved in supporting the Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip, and avoid any unnecessary escalation.
The letter called for all commercial vessels and shipping companies to adhere to the instructions and decisions issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces in this regard, stressing that any disregard for these instructions will hold violating parties fully responsible for any potential repercussions.
The Yemeni government in Sana’a advised all entities, whether governmental or private, to refrain from dealing with or cooperating with any assets or interests belonging to the Israeli entity, in order to avoid any risks that may arise from the continued aggression.
The letter emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces are growing stronger and more disciplined and will continue their targeted and specific operations, with the sole goal of halting the unjust aggression and lifting the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In the letter, the Foreign Minister reiterated Sana’a’s belief that the continued Israeli aggression threatens regional and international security and stability, calling on the United Nations and the Security Council to assume full responsibility and take immediate and effective steps to halt this aggression, provide urgent relief, and protect the Palestinian people.
