South Korean envoy urges stronger UN sanctions against Houthis

South Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations urged the Security Council on Thursday to strengthen sanctions against Yemen’s Houthi rebels to restrict their weapons supplies, according to The Korea Times. Ambassador Cha Ji-hoon condemned attacks on civilians and threats to commercial shipping.

Cha said attacks on civilian infrastructure and threats to Red Sea shipping endangered international peace, maritime security and energy supplies. His appeal also included renewed diplomacy to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The Korea Times, Cha called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians during the Security Council’s debate on the Middle East. He urged the council to use stronger sanctions to cut weapons deliveries to the Houthis.

The newspaper reported two successive attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Citing unspecified foreign media reports, it said the first attack killed 13 people and injured more than 300, while the second killed one person and wounded 11.

South Korea’s foreign ministry also condemned the attacks Wednesday, according to The Korea Times. The ministry said attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable.

Cha also opposed attacks on merchant vessels and the use of unauthorized tolls or discriminatory charges as conditions for peace. He said such measures were incompatible with international law and called for diplomatic efforts to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Cha also urged the parties to honor commitments under the Gaza peace plan, permit humanitarian aid to reach Gaza without obstruction and end hostilities in Lebanon, The Korea Times reported.