United Nations reports that operations at Yemen’s critical Red Sea port in Hodeidah, used for aid imports, have declined to around a quarter of its usual capacity. This happened after recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels on international shipping, targeting vessels that could support Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.
According to Julien Harneis, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, four out of the port’s five tugboats, responsible for escorting large ships into and out of the port, have been sunk. The fifth one is destroyed. Therefore, shipping in aid cargo is severely inhibited at the port.
The Houthis, who have controlled most of Yemen since 2014, have intensified their attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023. Israel has thus targeted key facilities, including the Hodeidah port. Despite a ceasefire agreement in Gaza last week that the Houthis say will limit their attacks to ships linked to Israel, Harneis expressed cautious optimism, noting that humanitarian agencies are prepared for further disruptions.
While the ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing concerns over the broader regional conflict and its impact on humanitarian operations. Harneis stressed the importance of contingency plans to ensure aid delivery despite the volatile security situation.
