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YEMEN: dramatic rise in airstrikes on hodeidah OVER THE WEEKEND

 

Tamer Kirolos, Save the Children’s Yemen Country Director said:

“Save the Children staff in Hodeidah reported almost 100 airstrikes over the weekend, five times as many as in the whole first week of October.

“This serious escalation around Yemen’s most important port city could put tens of thousands of children in the line of fire and further choke delivery of food and medicine to a country where we estimate extreme hunger and disease are killing an average of 100 children each day.

“Every convoy blocked from the port or unable to leave it because of the violence means more malnutrition and more children dying needlessly.

“Patients in our health facilities are terrified by the bombardment, running to safety at the sound of incoming airstrikes no matter their condition. They know that even health centres aren't safe. We're also worried that people in need of urgent medical attention won't seek out help because of the fighting.”

“This surge in violence is deeply concerning in light of plans for further peace talks that could be a vital step to bringing relief to Yemen’s children, many of whom have been bombed and starved to death for nearly four years.

“The weekend’s attacks show that what world leaders say have no meaning if they’re not backed up by concrete actions. The international community must increase diplomatic pressure and intensify efforts to secure an immediate halt to the offensive and a comprehensive ceasefire.

“Save the Children is urging all sides to immediately stop the fighting so more lives aren’t lost. They must allow full access for humanitarian aid and commercial imports and negotiate with the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in good faith, without preconditions.”

ENDS

 

Spokespeople available in Yemen and the UK. 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Save the Children has over 50 years of experience working in Yemen. Operational in the country since 1963, the charity was the first international aid group in Yemen. We work nationally and locally to promote and protect children’s rights, with programmes in education, protection, health, nutrition, water, livelihoods, and food security. For more see here
  • Save the Children stands side by side with children in the toughest places to be a child. We do whatever it takes to make sure they survive, get protection when they’re in danger, and have the chance to learn. Together, we fight for children every single day.
  • Visit our Yemen appeal page here

 

Contact:

B.Bhatnagar@savethechildren.org.uk

+44 7467 096788

 

Out-of-hours:

Media@savethechildren.org.uk

+44 7831 650409