Bishop Martinelli: escalation in Red Sea could affect peace in Yemen

By Lisa Zengarini

The military escalation in the Red Sea risks making it even more difficult for Yemen to recover from its nine-year-long war, according to Bishop Paolo Martinelli.

Speaking to Asianews, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia expressed hope that the intensification of the military confrontation in the area will not stop the latest peace-making efforts in the Middle East nation.

Escalation could hinder the peace process in Yemen

Yemen has experienced war and devastation since 2014, when pro-Iranian Houthi rebels stormed the Yemeni capital Sanaa and toppled the internationally recognized and Saudi-backed government.

The  prospects of the conflict ending are still very slim due deep gap in trust between the two sides.The conflict has killed thousands and caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with an estimated 4.5 million people displaced

Concerns over extension of Israel-Hamas war

The eruption of the war between Hamas and Israel on October 7, 2023 could cause a further setback to this slow and difficult process. Since November Houthi rebels have been carrying out attacks cargos crossing the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza, and this week  U.S. and UK  launched several targeted raids on  the Iranian-backed militias’ positions in Yemen to stop the attacks.

Bishop Martinelli reported that the latest developments so far haven’t affected the ordinary daily life in the country; though, he said, the raids certainly add to the "great concern for the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza” and for its expansion to other countries in the Middle East.

Impact on local Christian community

The Italian-born bishop also spoke about the small Christian community in Yemen, which has suffered greatly in the past due to war and sectarian violence, as happened with the killing of four Missionaries of Charity in Aden in 2016.

“So far," he stated, "the situation appears calm. The nuns can continue to carry out their great work with the sick and the poor," though the latest developments are a reason for concern. “They obviously felt what happened, but their work continues. We pray that they can continue to carry out their mission in peace," he concluded.