Rising tensions in war-torn Yemen have triggered fears of a return to conflict as hunger and cholera plague the nation, the UN reported on Thursday. Despite efforts to bring peace, military activities persist with Houthi rebels attacking ships and retaliatory strikes from the US and UK.
The civil war in Yemen, which began in 2014, has escalated into a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The recent detention of UN workers by the rebels has further strained relations, prompting calls for their release.
Meanwhile, a lack of funding is hindering humanitarian efforts to combat cholera and food insecurity. The number of cholera cases has more than doubled, with funding only sufficient to address a quarter of the cases. Hunger is also on the rise, affecting 60% of Yemenis and leading to an increase in child marriage and dropouts from school.
The situation in Yemen remains precarious, with UN officials warning of dire consequences if immediate action is not taken to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the country.