Yemen’s Houthi-run government has announced that dozens of detained United Nations personnel will face trial over alleged links to Israel, including accusations of espionage and involvement in an Israeli airstrike that killed senior Houthi officials in Sanaa.

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Background: UN Staff Detentions in Yemen

The situation escalated after an Israeli airstrike in August targeted Yemen’s capital, killing the Houthi prime minister and nine other ministers—the first attack to strike senior Houthi leadership.

Following the strike, Houthi security forces detained UN staff, accusing them of involvement in intelligence operations against the government. According to UN officials:

• At least 59 UN personnel are being held by the Houthis.
• 36 UN employees were arrested directly following the Israeli attack.

The detainees include Yemeni nationals and a small number of international staff. Yemeni law allows for the death penalty for charges related to espionage, raising serious concerns among international observers.

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Houthi Allegations and Planned Trials

Abdulwahid Abu Ras, Yemen’s acting foreign minister, told Reuters that the World Food Programme (WFP) staff were allegedly part of a cell “directly targeting the government.”

• Trials will be conducted under full judicial supervision, with public prosecutors informed at each stage.
• Nasruddin Amer, a senior Houthi official, confirmed to dpa that the charges involve spying for Israel.
• Amer emphasized that:

“The judiciary will determine the penalty for those accused of spying for Israel in accordance with Yemeni law. This is not a law we enacted—it has been in effect under previous regimes.”

The Houthis insist that these trials are against individuals, not humanitarian organizations, stating that anyone exploiting humanitarian work for espionage will face prosecution.

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Impact on Humanitarian Operations

The detention of UN staff has significantly hindered humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

• Hundreds of UN personnel remain in parts of the country, operating under increasingly difficult conditions.
• Humanitarian delivery is affected, complicating aid to millions of Yemenis facing famine and conflict.
• The UN Secretary-General’s office emphasized that staff safety and operational freedom are critical for continuing assistance.

Houthi officials claim they are committed to facilitating humanitarian operations for compliant organizations.

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Regional Context: Yemen, Israel, and Gaza

The tensions occur within the broader geopolitical backdrop of Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza since October 2023.

• The Houthis have launched attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and conducted drone and missile strikes against Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians.
• Israel has carried out airstrikes in Yemen targeting civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and airports, resulting in significant casualties, including journalists and children.

The arrests and trials of UN personnel intensify concerns about civilian safety, humanitarian access, and international law in Yemen.

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International Response and Concerns

The UN has repeatedly rejected Houthi accusations of espionage. The international community, including humanitarian and diplomatic organizations, is closely monitoring developments:

• The World Food Programme has not issued an immediate comment on the detentions.
• Humanitarian experts warn that trials under allegations of espionage could further jeopardize aid delivery and staff safety.
• The potential death penalty for UN staff has raised alarm among human rights groups worldwide.

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Conclusion

The Houthis’ decision to try UN personnel over alleged Israeli links highlights the increasingly complex security and political landscape in Yemen. With humanitarian operations under threat and geopolitical tensions escalating, the situation poses urgent questions for international law, human rights, and the safety of UN workers operating in conflict zones.

The coming weeks will be critical for both the United Nations and the international community in responding to these unprecedented detentions.