Elderly Man and Child Die from Starvation in Abs Camps, Highlighting Humanitarian Crisis

Tragic Losses in Abs District

An elderly man and a child have tragically succumbed to starvation and acute malnutrition in the displacement camps located in the Abs district of Hajjah Governorate, Yemen. These recent fatalities shed light on the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in regions under the control of the Houthi militia, where living conditions have become alarmingly worse.

Elderly Man’s Condition and Calls for Assistance

Local sources report that the displaced individual, Abdullah Abdu Mustabani, known as “Abu Hashim,” passed away after experiencing a significant decline in health. His body had become skeletal due to prolonged starvation. Despite urgent appeals for assistance from activists, help did not arrive in time to save him. Additionally, another child in the camps tragically died due to acute malnutrition and the lack of necessary healthcare services.

Suspension of Aid and Houthi Restrictions

These deaths occur amidst a significant reduction in humanitarian aid in Houthi-controlled areas. Administrative and security restrictions, coupled with an increase in arrests targeting both local and international humanitarian staff, have led to the suspension of essential relief programs. As a result, thousands of families are deprived of life-saving food, further exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

UN Report Reveals Escalating Hunger

A recent report from the World Food Programme highlights the alarming rise in hunger levels:

• By the end of the first quarter of 2026, one in three displaced individuals experienced hunger.
• 39% of displaced persons suffer from moderate to severe hunger, compared to 19% of the general population.
• The situation is even more severe in Houthi-controlled areas, with 41% affected, compared to 35% in government-held regions.
• 50% of displaced individuals in camps face severe food deprivation, while 34% in host communities do.
• 17% of displaced families reported that a member went a full day and night without food, with this number rising to 23% in camps.

These statistics reflect a worsening humanitarian disaster that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in northern Yemen. The dire lack of aid and deteriorating living conditions call for urgent international attention to combat the rampant hunger and malnutrition that endanger many lives.

For more information, visit Yemen TV.