Yemen : Houthis’ Siege of Taiz Deepens Humanitarian Crisis
- 2026-10-25
- 13:29:18
TAIZ — Humanitarian and health risks are rapidly escalating in Yemen’s southwestern city of Taiz as the Houthi group continues its blockade of the city and the closure of key supply routes since October 4, according to local rights monitors.
In a statement, the Rasd Organization for Rights and Freedoms warned that approximately 1,110 kidney failure patients, 154 infants in neonatal incubators, and 192 patients in intensive care units are facing immediate threats due to severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies.
The organization said kidney patients require around 120 dialysis sessions each day, warning that dwindling medical resources could disrupt life-saving treatment as healthcare facilities struggle to maintain essential services.
According to the statement, 98 health facilities were either partially operational or out of service, citing a UNICEF update issued on October 11.
It added that 42 health facilities are experiencing critical shortages of medical supplies and oxygen, while 12 hospitals and health centers risk reducing or suspending services altogether because of the ongoing fuel crisis.
The rights group also highlighted the growing humanitarian impact of the blockade on food assistance operations. It noted that aid from the United Nations World Food Programme has been unable to reach approximately 600,000 people in Taiz, part of an estimated 800,000 people across Yemen affected by disrupted humanitarian access.
Rasd Organization stressed that the continued siege is exacerbating civilian suffering, undermining food security, and restricting patients’ access to medical care.
Residents are reportedly facing worsening shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and water, further deteriorating living conditions across the city.
The organization warned that unless access routes are reopened and humanitarian supplies are allowed to enter, the crisis could deepen significantly, worsening health, education, and economic conditions while posing an increasing threat to civilian lives.