Human Rights Watch Urges Houthi Forces to Lift Siege on Taiz

Human Rights Watch has issued an urgent call for Houthi forces to immediately lift the long-standing blockade on Taiz, demanding that all parties to the conflict prioritize the delivery of essential supplies as the city faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

The organization’s appeal follows stark warnings from the United Nations regarding the depletion of critical aid stocks. According to UN reports, humanitarian agencies distributed their final food parcels last week, while water supplies have plummeted by 50 percent. Furthermore, hospitals in the region are nearing a total exhaustion of life-saving medicines, oxygen supplies, and fuel necessary for operation.

Houthi forces have maintained a siege on Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, since gaining control of the surrounding areas and primary transit routes. While the city remains under government control, the blockade has effectively severed access to basic necessities, severely undermining the living conditions of the local population.

The World Food Programme has warned that reserves of wheat and flour are expected to run out within weeks, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without access to vital assistance. This supply collapse has coincided with a surge in the cost of living, with prices for basic commodities rising by 40 to 50 percent, while the costs of fuel and water have doubled.

The ongoing restrictions on aid and commercial traffic continue to exacerbate the humanitarian situation. With medical facilities struggling to function amidst critical shortages, international observers warn of a deepening crisis that threatens the health and survival of the city’s large civilian population.