Renewed fighting in Yemen has plunged the country into its worst humanitarian crisis since 2022. The conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels has resulted in a significant escalation of hunger, with over half of Yemen's 41 million population in need of assistance. The situation is dire, with over 2.2 million children under five acutely malnourished and nearly 19 million lacking access to healthcare.
The conflict has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation, with at least 959 people killed and over 4,200 injured across 10 governorates between August 6 and October 2, according to the Yemeni Ministry of Health and Population. The violence has also led to a significant increase in displacement, with over 200,000 people displaced since fighting resumed, including 57,000 children affected in just the first two weeks of September.
International funding for Yemen has sharply declined, leaving it among the world's three most underfunded crises. The UN's humanitarian response plan received just 25% of necessary funding in 2025 and only 20% in 2026. Oxfam has highlighted the neglect of the situation by the international community, with its campaigns leader, Louis-Nicolas Jandeaux, expressing concerns over new needs arising as violence escalates.
The health system in Yemen is buckling under the strain of rising casualties, with only 60% of hospitals fully operational, according to the World Health Organization. The organisation reported that more than 60% of health facilities are now overwhelmed, and the risk of disease spread is increasing. Reports of suspected cholera cases and over 9,000 dengue fever cases have emerged, alongside concerns about measles.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on education, with 243 schools closed or suspended classes, impacting over 137,000 students. Taiz governorate has seen a rise in displaced populations, and residents are resorting to harmful coping mechanisms, such as reducing meal portions, as aid groups like Oxfam focus on immediate needs for water and sanitation.
In response to the escalating violence, government troops have launched a counter-offensive, aiming to reclaim control from the Houthis. Heavy fighting continues near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns about whether the rebels can maintain control over vital supply routes. Yemen's ambassador to France stated that their goal is to defeat the Houthis and push towards Sanaa.
The international community has been urged to provide increased aid to Yemen, with the ambassador warning that without enhanced humanitarian assistance, the situation will only worsen. Oxfam's Jandeaux noted that while Yemen is often viewed as a perpetual crisis, many people are fighting for daily survival and deserve attention. Both Saudi Arabia and Yemen's president have called for more direct US involvement, though so far, Washington has remained uninvolved.
Key points
- Over 200,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting resumed.
- The conflict has resulted in a significant escalation of hunger, with over half of Yemen's 41 million population in need of assistance.
- International funding for Yemen has sharply declined, leaving it among the world's three most underfunded crises.
