During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Carl Skau, the acting executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), said the agency is intensifying its humanitarian response to the escalating crisis in Yemen.

Skau reported that WFP has already delivered hot meals and food commodities to roughly 60,000 Yemenis and is building a logistics pipeline capable of reaching “hundreds of thousands” of additional people who are facing acute food shortages.

Humanitarian emergency in Yemen

The United Nations estimates that more than 18 million Yemenis – about half the country’s population – are experiencing acute food insecurity. Among them, 2.2 million children under five are severely malnourished.

Recent advances by Houthi fighters along Yemen’s Red Sea coast have displaced tens of thousands of residents. The UN reports nearly 700 deaths and thousands of injuries from the fighting, while over 120,000 Yemenis have fled their homes within the country and thousands more have attempted dangerous sea crossings to Africa.

Challenges to aid delivery

Skau warned that WFP’s operations are hampered by underfunding and the occupation of UN facilities by Houthi authorities. “Our offices in the north are occupied by the de facto authorities, and our assets are still confiscated, making it very difficult to operate,” he said.

He also highlighted that 90 percent of Yemen’s food supply is imported, so disruptions at ports and airports directly threaten food security.

Funding appeal

Calling attention to the funding shortfall, Skau said the agency, the largest UN body by budget, is forced to cut back on life‑saving assistance. He pledged to seek additional contributions at the diplomatic gathering in New York, where nearly 130 heads of state are present.

The WFP’s expanded effort underscores the urgent need for international support to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.