Global
Qatar warned on Tuesday that the closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the vital waterway connecting Europe and Asia, would be "catastrophic" for the entire world. This warning follows the Houthi group's capture of the strategic strait and the entire western coast of Yemen overlooking the Red Sea, after a surprise attack. During a press briefing, Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, Director of Media and Communication at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the world "is already suffering from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and we cannot afford to add Bab al-Mandab to this equation." He emphasized that closing the southern entrance to the Red Sea would have "catastrophic global consequences," noting that the repercussions are already beginning to manifest, and reiterating Qatar's pursuit of diplomacy and dialogue. In a related context, French diplomats reported on Tuesday that the UN Security Council would hold a session to discuss the situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. They clarified that France initiated this meeting, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon New York time, and representatives from Yemen and Saudi Arabia are expected to deliver statements. International concerns are escalating regarding the safety of navigation in the vital strait and the Red Sea, particularly with the Houthis' near-absolute control over it.
