American and British forces launched a series of strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in recent days
Over 20 humanitarian organizations eexpressed their “deep concern” over the recent escalation in Yemenwarning of its impact on this war-torn country that is heavily dependent on international aid.
US and British forces have launched a series of strikes in recent days against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are increasing attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a sea area critical to global trade.
“The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the most serious in the world, and escalation will only worsen the situation of vulnerable civilians and hinder the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide essential services,” stressed 26 NGOs operating in the country, among of which CARE, Save the Children and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Expressing their “deep concern”, they called, in their joint statement published last night, “for all actors to prioritize diplomatic channels over military options to de-escalate the crisis and protect efforts for peace».
In Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, a conflict has raged for more than eight years between the government, backed by a military alliance led by Saudi Arabia, and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
More than two-thirds of the population depends on humanitarian aid, according to NGOs.
The rebelswhich control the capital and large parts of the country’s territory, have been launching attacks off the coast of Yemen, specifically in the Red Sea, against ships suspected of being linked to Israel since mid-November, saying their actions are a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians .
“The impact of the security threat in the Red Sea is already being felt by humanitarian actors, as problems in trade drive up prices and cause delays in the delivery of essential goods“, said the 26 mko.
“A further escalation could also result in other organizations suspending their operations in areas where hostilities continue“, warned the MCOs.
The World Food Program (PAM) last month suspended food distribution to rebel-held areas due to limited funding and disagreements with the Houthis.
The British NGO Save the Children also suspended its activities in the northern part of the country in October, after the death of one of its workers who was being held in the capital Sanaa.
Source :Skai
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