The United Nations has firmly rejected recent accusations by Houthi authorities in Yemen that its staff were involved in espionage, calling such claims 'extremely disturbing' and warning that labeling aid workers as spies or terrorists endangers lives globally. Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that the United Nations' presence in Yemen is strictly humanitarian and guided by principles of neutrality and impartiality. The comments follow a wave of detentions targeting United Nations and aid workers, with at least 53 United Nations staff members still held by the Houthis, some for years without communication. The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned these arrests, stating there is no credible evidence for the espionage allegations, and have called for the immediate release of all detained personnel. The ongoing conflict in Yemen continues to hinder humanitarian efforts and exacerbate the crisis facing the country's population.