Society
Hunger deepens in Yemen as Houthis target aid workers
A devastating hunger crisis is tightening its grip on Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, pushing millions to the edge of survival.
![Yemeni refugee children live in makeshift tents. The Houthis have forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, leaving many families struggling to survive. [Mohammad Daher/AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/01/08/53389-afp__20251103__daher-yemenire230705_np3ld__v1__highres__direhumanitarianconditionsfo-600_384.webp)
Al-Fassel |
While families struggle to find their next meal, Houthis are actively obstructing humanitarian efforts, creating a crisis within a crisis.
This alarming situation demands attention to prevent a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe and address the severe food insecurity in Houthi-controlled areas.
Alarming hunger levels
Recent United Nations (UN) data paints a grim picture of the ongoing Yemen hunger crisis.
In areas under Houthi control, an estimated 32% of households are suffering from severe hunger.
Conditions have worsened to the point where 66% of families are adopting extreme coping strategies to survive.
These strategies include restricting food consumption for adults so that their children can have enough to eat.
This profound vulnerability is intensified by limited resources and the suspension of critical food assistance programs, leaving countless without a safety net.
Humanitarian workers under fire
The crisis is deliberately worsened by the Houthis' systematic and continuous repression of aid operations.
UN activities have been suspended in the region following the detention of at least 69 UN staff members.
This campaign of humanitarian repression in Yemen extends to hundreds of local relief workers who are effectively under house arrest, unable to leave Houthi-controlled territories.
The Houthis have circulated lists of humanitarian aid workers to their security forces, creating an atmosphere of fear and widespread intimidation.
In the face of immense adversity, aid workers in Yemen display courage and compassion, serving as a lifeline for vulnerable communities.
These communities are caught in the grip of devastating conflict and humanitarian crises, relying heavily on the support of these workers.
Despite their tireless efforts to provide aid, restore hope and alleviate suffering, their mission is obstructed by the Houthis' actions.
The Houthis hinder humanitarian operations through restrictions, violence and interference, jeopardizing the delivery of critical life-saving aid.
This leaves already vulnerable communities in even greater danger, exacerbating their suffering and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Nevertheless, the determination and resilience of aid workers demonstrate humanity's capacity to care and act, even in the darkest times.