Explainer: Why is the humanitarian crisis in Yemen getting worse?

Summary

The Gaza crisis has significantly increased the global profile of Yemen's Houthis, who have been attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli bombardment. These actions have severely disrupted global shipping, leading to rerouted journeys and rising prices, impacting the vulnerable, including Yemenis dependent on food aid. The US and UK military responses have been criticized and have not halted the attacks, potentially derailing peace efforts in Yemen and affecting humanitarian aid delivery. The Houthis' stance has boosted their popularity, but their motives are questioned, with concerns that the situation jeopardizes both regional peace and the plight of Yemen's impoverished population.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Gaza crisis has significantly increased the global profile of the Yemeni Houthi rebels.
• 🚢 Since November, the Houthis have been attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, claiming their actions are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
• 🇮🇱 The conflict in Gaza involves Israeli bombardment following a Hamas attack in Israel on October 7th.
• 💥 The Houthi leader claims to have attacked approximately 90 ships, causing major disruptions to global shipping routes and increasing travel distances.
• 📈 The disruption of shipping has led to higher prices, which in turn affects vulnerable populations, including Yemenis who rely on imported food aid.
• 🌾 Yemen, one of the poorest countries on Earth, faces increased food and water insecurity due to the situation.
• ✈️ In response to the Houthi attacks, the US and Britain have taken military action, launching strikes in North Yemen, where the Houthis are in control.
• 🔥 Despite military efforts, the attacks on shipping have not ceased, and the coalition's response has been met with criticism and calls for stronger action.
• 🕊️ The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which had shown signs of progress towards peace, is now at risk due to the Houthis' stance and actions related to Gaza.
• 🤝 The Houthis, a hardline Islamist group supported by Iran, have seen a surge in popularity both within Yemen and internationally due to their actions.
• 🚨 There are concerns that the Houthi attacks and the US and UK military responses may hinder peace efforts in Yemen and the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

Q & A

What event has recently given the Yemeni Houthis worldwide recognition?

The Gaza crisis has given the Yemeni Houthis worldwide recognition.

What has the Houthis' recent activity been targeting?

The Houthis have been attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Why do the Houthis claim to be attacking these cargo ships?

They claim their actions are in support of the Palestinians in Gaza who have been under Israeli bombardment.

What was the date of the Hamas attack inside Israel that seems to have triggered this series of events?

The Hamas attack inside Israel occurred on October 7th.

How many ships has the Houthi leader claimed to have attacked?

The Houthi leader says they've attacked about 90 ships.

What has been the impact of the Houthi attacks on global shipping?

The attacks have massively disrupted global shipping, causing ships to reroute and undertake longer journeys, which in turn has sent prices up everywhere.

Which group of people within Yemen has been particularly affected by the higher prices caused by the disruption of shipping?

The most vulnerable, including Yemenis in one of the poorest countries on Earth, who are dependent on food aid, have been hit the hardest by the higher prices.

What was the situation in Yemen before the Houthi attacks on shipping?

Before the attacks, Yemen was already facing severe challenges, with a large portion of the population being food and water insecure.

What military actions have the US and Britain taken in response to the Houthi attacks?

The US and Britain have launched strikes in North Yemen, where the Houthis control the region.

Has the military response from the US and Britain been effective in stopping the Houthi attacks?

No, the shipping attacks have continued, and the coalition response has not been very effective.

What are some criticisms of the military response by the US and Britain?

There has been criticism about hitting a terribly poor country, and some call for an even tougher response, while others argue their operations are very weak.

How is the situation in Gaza affecting the peace process in Yemen?

The catastrophic events in Gaza are threatening to derail the fragile peace proposal that seemed to be progressing after years of civil war in Yemen.

What is the Houthi stance on the situation in Gaza?

The Houthis see their attacks as a form of support for their brothers in Palestine and have stated that if aggression in Gaza stops, they will stop their attacks.

What are the concerns regarding the Houthi attacks and the US and UK military responses?

Many are warning that the Houthi attacks and the US and UK military responses are jeopardizing any peace progress in Yemen, as well as the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to one of the world's most deprived countries.