Global concern over crisis in Yemen

Yemen is currently at the forefront of global concern due to the intensification of the humanitarian crisis, largely attributed to a series of attacks by the Houthis. The targeted assaults, initiated since late October, have hindered the flow of vital aid to the region, particularly through the strategic Red Sea.

The Houthis, officially recognized as Ansarullah, exert control over substantial portions of northern and northwestern Yemen. Their recent focus has been on disrupting shipping activities in the Red Sea, with a specific emphasis on vessels associated with Israel or on route to Israeli ports. 

These attacks, framed as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, have prompted numerous global shipping companies to alter their routes, diverting away from the Red Sea and the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait.

The Bab al-Mandab strait serves as a pivotal trade route connecting Yemen and Djibouti, and the redirection of shipping routes has sparked concerns about potential repercussions on a global scale. There is apprehension regarding a potential surge in global prices, particularly for commodities such as oil, and the looming threat of inflation in the region.

Yemen, heavily reliant on imports through Red Sea ports for the majority of its food and aid shipments, is now grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. The recent escalation poses a substantial risk to critical supply lines, potentially plunging millions of people into dire circumstances.

Compounding the challenges in Yemen is the endeavor to secure essential aid, further exacerbated by insufficient humanitarian funding. Merely 39.3 percent of the $34 billion budget allocated for UN aid in 2023 has been earmarked, marking the lowest percentage since the commencement of war-related programs in 2016. In December, the World Food Program was compelled to suspend regular food distribution in northern Yemen due to limited resources, funding constraints, and a lack of agreement with the Houthis.
 

_{Source: WFP, UN, VOA}