Sa’ada: The local authority in Sa’ada governorate on Sunday condemned the United Nations’ decision to suspend all humanitarian aid operations and programs in the region. The announcement, made by the UN Secretary-General, has been labeled by the local authority as a significant aggression against those in urgent need, such as the displaced, sick, and impoverished in the governorate. This action, they argue, constitutes a new form of siege that contradicts international and humanitarian laws.
According to Yemen News Agency, the local authority’s statement criticized the United Nations for allegedly transforming humanitarian efforts into intelligence activities benefiting American and Israeli interests. The statement suggests that the UN has systematically targeted the governorate by reducing aid over recent years as a punitive measure against Yemen’s stance on the Palestinian issue.
The statement further links the UN’s decision to political and military dynamics in the region, implying undue influence from American policies. It highlights previous actions by the UN, including the reduction of food aid by the World Food Program during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the introduction of substandard food shipments that were deemed unsuitable even for animal consumption.
The statement also notes that food aid distribution by the World Food Program has been halted since Yemen began supporting the people of Gaza over 16 months ago, with the last food basket distribution in Sa’ada occurring in October 2023. Additionally, it accuses UN organizations of failing to implement any projects in the governorate during the Gaza crisis, instead spending significant amounts on operating expenses without community benefits.
The local authority urged the UN Secretary-General to neutralize humanitarian aid from political influence and reconsider the recent decision, holding the Secretary-General accountable for any negative outcomes. It emphasized its commitment to exploring legal measures to protect the governorate’s residents and seeking alternative solutions for aid, independent of any political pressures from the United Nations.