Twenty-six international aid groups working in Yemen have expressed deep worry about the effect of the military escalation in the Red Sea on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged country.
The aid groups warned that the conflict in the Red Sea would hamper supplies to Yemen and raise their expenses.
“We urge all actors to prioritize diplomatic channels over military options to de-escalate the crisis and safeguard the progress of peace efforts in Yemen,” the 26 organizations said in a statement, adding: “Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, and safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance must be guaranteed.”
Despite international pressure and bombing, the Houthi rebels refused to cease their assaults, threatening to target all US and UK commercial and naval ships in revenge for the two countries’ airstrikes on Yemen.
The organizations, including Save the Children, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, and others said that thousands of Yemenis are in desperate need of lifesaving assistance, and millions have been displaced, face food insecurity, or have limited access to basic services.
If tensions between the coalition and the Houthis escalated into a conflict, many organizations would be obliged to halt activities in Yemen and battles near ports would hamper the delivery of supplies to Yemen, the organizations warned.
“Further escalation could result in more organizations being forced to halt their operations in areas where there are ongoing hostilities. Impacts to vital infrastructure, including strategic ports, would have major implications for the entry of essential goods into a country heavily dependent on imports,” they said in a statement.