UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for de-escalation of tensions in Yemen.

Tensions have been simmering across Yemen, and dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat, he told reporters after briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations.

"As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace. They deepen divisions, harden positions and raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation," Guterres said.

"A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security -- including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa," he noted.

The UN chief urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue, adding that this includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential for ensuring collective security interests.

"Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement -- one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis, and brings this devastating conflict to an end. Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price," he said.

Nearly 4.8 million have fled their homes, and 19.5 million need humanitarian assistance, but UN efforts to support them face tremendous challenges, Guterres said, adding that in Houthi-controlled areas, the operating environment has become untenable.

Despite these challenges, the world body remains committed to providing life-saving support to millions of people across Yemen. This year, the United Nations reached more than 5.3 million people with food, nutrition, water and health assistance, he noted.

The Yemeni parties have come close to peace before, during the 2022 truce and commitments agreed in 2023, but subsequent developments have severely complicated the situation. Even so, the path to peace is possible, and the United Nations remains committed to supporting the Yemeni people along this path, said Guterres.

"I call on all parties to engage constructively with my special envoy, prioritize dialogue over violence, and avoid any unilateral actions that could inflame this fragile situation. The people of Yemen demand and deserve peace," he said. ■