The UN said the ‘extraordinary and temporary measure’ was taken to ensure the safety and security of its personnel.

The United Nations reported on Monday that it has paused its humanitarian operations in the area dominated by Yemen's Houthi rebels due to the detention of eight more U.N. staffers.

The Yemeni Foreign Ministry described the arrests as a “flagrant violation” that jeopardizes the safety of humanitarian workers and hampers relief efforts in a country grappling with a prolonged conflict. The statement followed a UN decision to suspend all official movements in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen in response to the arrests.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that one of its staff members had died in detention in northern Yemen, where the U.N. has repeatedly called for the Houthi movement to free detained U.N. employees.