Yemeni political analyst: Houthis are worsening civilians’ suffering as Eid al-Adha approaches amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions
Eid al-Adha this year arrives in Yemen at a time when the suffering of civilians is intensifying, amid a continuing humanitarian crisis and worsening living conditions across several governorates. This coincides with increasing accusations against the Houthi movement, which is held responsible for practices that further complicate the country’s humanitarian and economic situation.
Humanitarian and human rights reports indicate that millions of Yemenis are facing severe difficulties in securing basic Eid needs, including sacrificial animals and food supplies, amid sharp price increases and declining purchasing power. This is further compounded by the suspension of salaries for a large segment of public employees in some areas, making Eid celebrations almost absent for many families.
While Eid al-Adha is traditionally a time of joy and social solidarity, many regions in Yemen are experiencing exceptional conditions. Restrictions on the movement of goods and humanitarian aid continue in some areas, while landmines and war remnants still pose a threat to civilians, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Local and international reports also accuse the Houthis of imposing restrictions on humanitarian operations in certain areas, in addition to practices involving informal taxation and levies, further increasing the burden on citizens already suffering from severe economic collapse and instability.
Humanitarian sources emphasize that the crisis in Yemen has become multidimensional. It is no longer limited to one aspect but includes the collapse of infrastructure, the deterioration of healthcare services, and shortages of food and medical supplies, making Yemen one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Observers warn that the continuation of this situation without comprehensive political solutions could lead to further deterioration, especially as religious and social seasons approach—periods that are normally expected to bring humanitarian relief but instead serve as a constant reminder of the scale of the crisis faced by Yemenis.
Between the absence of festive atmosphere and the hardship of daily life, Yemeni citizens remain the most affected, amid a prolonged crisis that still awaits a political and humanitarian solution capable of ending years of ongoing suffering.
Yemeni political analyst Dr. Nasser Al-Awlaki stated that conditions in Yemen are becoming increasingly complex as Eid al-Adha approaches, due to the ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis and the worsening living standards for large segments of society, noting that Houthi practices have recently contributed to deepening the suffering.
He explained that citizens are struggling to secure basic Eid requirements, primarily sacrificial animals and food supplies, due to rising prices, declining incomes, and the suspension of salaries in several regions. As a result, Eid celebrations this year are “absent or nearly absent” for many Yemeni families.
He added that continued restrictions on certain economic activities and the movement of goods, along with the imposition of additional taxes and fees in some areas, has further increased pressure on citizens already living under the burden of prolonged war and a complex humanitarian crisis.
The analyst also pointed out that the crisis in Yemen is no longer purely economic, but has expanded to include the collapse of essential services such as healthcare, education, and electricity, leading to a significant decline in daily living standards, especially in the most affected cities and regions.
Al-Awlaki stressed that the continued absence of comprehensive political solutions threatens further deterioration, calling for the humanitarian file to be de-politicized and for aid delivery to be facilitated without restrictions, in order to ease citizens’ suffering during religious and humanitarian occasions.
He concluded by stressing that this year’s Eid al-Adha is being observed under exceptional conditions in Yemen, reflecting the scale of the country’s compounded crisis and placing greater responsibility on the international community to move toward a political settlement that ends years of suffering.
