I am shocked by reports of air strikes on a water well in the village Beit Saadan, north of the Yemeni capital Sana’a, last Saturday which claimed more than 30 lives and left many injured. I condemn attacks perpetrated by all conflicting parties on civilian targets in the Yemen conflict. I am particularly distressed by the second attack which struck many first responders. The incident needs to be investigated quickly.

I call upon all parties to the Yemen conflict to end the violence and return to a ceasefire. The conflicting parties need to find their way back to a negotiating process under the aegis of the United Nations and to refrain from any steps which could hamper the continuation of talks. International humanitarian law that includes protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure must be guaranteed. Humanitarian aid workers need unhindered, safe access to those suffering to provide the help they so urgently need.