On Wednesday 23 August, the European Union condemned the attack earlier that day against Yemeni civilians, saying that it is concerned about the escalation of tension in the conflict in Yemen. Around 30 people, including civilians, are reportedly dead after a series of Saudi Arabia-led air strikes on the region of the capital, Sanaa.
"We condemn the attack against civilians and reiterate the need for all parties, in particular the Saudi-led coalition, to ensure the protection of civilians and to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law", Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service told press. "This includes the principles of distinction, proportionality and taking precaution in the conduct of hostilities", she added.
Kocijancic stated that the further escalations in the conflict in Yemen are "increasingly worrying" and have a "significant impact on the delivering of humanitarian aid". She also said that only a political solution could enable a way out of the conflict, and called on all parties for restraint and for the resumption of negotiations.
"The EU will continue to support the peace process and we will play an active role for a coordinated response from the international community to respond to the post-conflict needs of the people of Yemen", she said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)