The UN warns that time is running out to get humanitarian assistance into Yemen’s besieged city of Taiz as Houthis prevent supplies from reaching the city. Reports say Houthis encircled Taiz in early October, including by blocking the road linking Taiz to Aden, described as the interim capital of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Multiple outlets cite UN humanitarian officials calling for safe, sustained and unimpeded access. Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera focus on how the blockade is affecting civilians, including that fighting increasingly makes it impossible to deliver aid and for people to leave. Middle East Eye also reports that road closures and diesel shortages have halved Taiz’s water production and substantially raised the price of trucked water.
The Guardian adds more detail from aid workers, describing the crisis as becoming “unmanageable” and warning that the city is running out of water, fuel and fresh food. Other reports emphasize UN demands for immediate aid access, quoting UN human rights chief Volker Turk warning of a “rights catastrophe” if the closure of the only supply route continues.
