Yemen faces catastrophic hunger crisis affecting millions

Yemen, embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of people suffering from food insecurity. Reports indicate that more than 17 million individuals are currently going hungry, with over 1 million children under the age of five facing life-threatening acute malnutrition. The U.N. humanitarian chief highlighted that this food security crisis has intensified since late 2023. Besides, the number of people experiencing hunger could surpass 18 million by September 2025, further exacerbating an already critical situation for vulnerable populations. A significant factor contributing to this humanitarian disaster is the plummeting global funding for humanitarian aid, which leaves countless families without necessary food assistance. As of mid-May, the U.N.'s appeal for $2.5 billion had garnered only $222 million, a mere 9% of the required funds. This lack of financial support has forced aid organizations to consider severe reductions or cuts in food distribution, putting millions of lives at stake. Moreover, new estimates predict that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition could rise to 1.2 million early next year, potentially causing lasting physical and cognitive damage. The ongoing conflict has also left Yemen struggling with one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters. Since the civil war began, more than 150,000 people, including both fighters and civilians, have tragically lost their lives. Tensions have recently escalated due to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Israeli airstrikes on key ports and the capital, Sanaa. The Houthis have responded by threatening further assaults until the conflict in Gaza concludes, heightening the risk of Yemen being drawn deeper into external regional conflicts. Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, emphasizes the urgency of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and working to prevent Yemen from deteriorating further. He argues that continued reliance solely on military solutions poses a