YEMEN STATEMENT: Weekend of heavy bombardment around Hodeidah

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

“Save the Children staff in Hodeidah reported almost 100 air strikes 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.”