Humanitarian tragedy in Hajjah: A child and an elderly woman die of starvation amid Houthi restrictions on aid.

Humanitarian Crisis in Hajja: Child and Elderly Woman Die from Hunger Amid Houthi Restrictions

In a tragic incident highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Houthi-controlled areas, a seven-year-old girl, Ashwaq Ali Hassan Mahab, and an elderly woman died in a displacement camp in Abs District, Hajja Governorate. Their deaths resulted from acute hunger after food aid ceased due to Houthi interference with humanitarian organizations and the abduction of their staff.

Background of the Tragedy

• Ashwaq struggled to find more than a little water and scraps of food donated by neighbors, as all aid had vanished.
• Her father lamented, “We have nothing left since the organizations stopped… I can no longer provide food.”
• A local resident recounted the heartbreaking story of his mother dying from starvation in the same camp.

Causes of the Escalating Crisis

• The Houthi militia has reportedly looted aid and redirected it for political and personal gain.
• They have imposed strict restrictions on the operations of international organizations and have kidnapped their employees.
• The United Nations has suspended its operations in Houthi areas due to arbitrary arrests.

International Warnings

• The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned of the potential emergence of famine hotspots in the coming months.
• Approximately 10 million Yemenis live in areas affected by Houthi restrictions on humanitarian work.
• Over 4 million displaced individuals across 646 camps face severe shortages of food, water, and healthcare.

This situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

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