Geneva.. Human rights organization calls for a firm international stance against the Israeli aggression on vital facilities in Yemen

SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties (based in Geneva) called on the international community to take a firm stand against the Israeli targeting of civilians and civilian objects in Yemen, and to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations of international law and human rights in Yemen and the region.

This came in a statement issued by it following Israeli raids that targeted the ports of Hodeidah (western Yemen) and two power stations in Sanaa (northern Yemen) last Thursday, leaving nine dead, three wounded, and extensive destruction in the ports and power stations.

The organization considered the recent Israeli attack on vital facilities in Hodeidah and Sana'a as "a dangerous military escalation that threatens the lives of civilians and targets vital facilities in the country, which is witnessing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world."

In its statement, it noted that "the use of military force against civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime according to Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which requires the international community to take firm and effective measures and hold Israel accountable for its continued violations of international law and human rights in Yemen and the region."

SAM stressed that these attacks represent a flagrant violation of international laws, including international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians and essential infrastructure, noting that attacks on power stations and ports not only affect people's daily lives, but also exacerbate the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Yemen, where the population is already suffering from a severe shortage of basic services as a result of the ongoing conflict.

She pointed out that in light of the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Yemen, where more than 17 million people face food insecurity, warning that any targeting of vital ports could exacerbate humanitarian suffering in the country, which cannot bear further harm that may result from military action.

The organization stressed that these repeated attacks on civilian facilities in Yemen not only reflect a blatant disregard for human rights, but also constitute a direct threat to the civilian population and a systematic targeting of their livelihoods, stressing the need for all conflicting parties to adhere to international laws, including the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, and that there be clear procedures to ensure that civilian facilities in the country are not targeted, and that all necessary measures should be taken to protect human lives and avoid exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis.

SAM stressed the need for a clear commitment from major countries not to support or assist any country that commits serious violations against another country.