The United Nations has raised alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with 19.5 million people expected to require urgent aid and protection in 2025, an increase of 1.3 million from the previous year.

Joyce Msuya, acting under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, underscored the severe situation, revealing that nearly half of Yemen’s population, over 17 million people, are unable to meet their basic food needs. The ongoing conflict, compounded by external airstrikes, has caused extensive damage to vital infrastructure and deepened food insecurity.

Msuya highlighted that Israel’s airstrikes on Yemen’s Red Sea ports, including Hodeida and Sana’a, have significantly reduced their operational capacity, making it harder to import critical food and medical supplies.

Yemen relies heavily on imports for over two-thirds of its food and 90% of its medicine. The damaged ports have disrupted humanitarian efforts, leaving millions in dire need of assistance. Malnutrition and cholera have also surged, with 4.8 million people displaced within the country.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed concerns over the growing internationalization of the conflict, citing recent airstrikes that have further destroyed key civilian infrastructure. While he acknowledged the potential for de-escalation through Gaza ceasefire talks, he stressed that the ongoing violence in Yemen continues to hinder peace efforts and destabilize the region.

Grundberg called for renewed international focus on Yemen, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach by the Security Council to achieve sustainable peace.