If attacks on Mecca or any holy site occurred, they would be utterly unacceptable — sacred places and civilians must never be put at risk. But we can’t let one headline justify more bombing or a return to the same failed policies that created this catastrophe. The root of this horror is the years-long Saudi-led campaign, the blockade and the external interference that have turned Yemen into the world’s worst humanitarian emergency. More than rhetoric about freedom of navigation or retaliation, we need an immediate, verifiable ceasefire, independent investigations into any strikes on civilian or religious sites, and unimpeded humanitarian access. Washington and other governments should stop enabling escalation — no more arms sales or intelligence that fuels air campaigns — and invest real diplomatic pressure toward a negotiated settlement led by Yemenis. The UN and regional actors must be empowered to broker safe corridors for aid, protect displaced families, and hold all parties accountable for violations of international law. Above all, solidarity should be with the millions of ordinary Yemenis who are suffering; their lives and dignity need to be the priority, not geostrategic posturing.