What's happened
Yemen's hunger crisis worsened in early 2026, with projections showing an additional million at risk of starvation amid ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and declining humanitarian aid. Funding cuts and climate shocks have intensified food insecurity, with over 40,000 people facing famine in the coming months.
What's behind the headline?
The worsening crisis in Yemen is driven by multiple intersecting factors. The decline in humanitarian funding—less than 25% of needs met in 2025—has critically hampered aid efforts, leaving millions without essential support. The conflict between regional powers, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, continues to destabilize the country, complicating aid delivery and security. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, with droughts and erratic weather damaging agriculture and water supplies, especially in regions like Taiz. The political instability and lack of trust between communities and authorities fuel local conflicts over resources, deepening human insecurity. The international community's reduced aid commitments threaten to push Yemen into a famine that could have regional repercussions, including disease outbreaks and increased displacement. Immediate donor action, including cash assistance, is vital to prevent further deterioration and save lives.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The Independent collectively highlight the severity of Yemen's humanitarian crisis. Al Jazeera emphasizes the rapid deterioration driven by funding cuts, climate shocks, and ongoing conflict, with projections of famine affecting over 40,000 people. Reuters underscores the international funding shortfall and the worsening health and nutrition indicators, warning that children are dying and conditions will worsen in 2026. The Independent provides a detailed account of the impact on civilians, including malnutrition, climate-related hardships, and the detention of aid workers by Houthis, which hampers relief efforts. While all sources agree on the gravity of the crisis, Al Jazeera and Reuters focus more on the geopolitical and funding aspects, whereas The Independent offers a human-centered perspective, emphasizing the daily struggles of Yemenis.
How we got here
Yemen's crisis stems from years of civil war, regional rivalries, and economic collapse. Displacement, disrupted health services, and climate change have compounded the situation, leading to widespread malnutrition and food shortages. International aid has fallen sharply, worsening the humanitarian outlook.
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Common question
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Why is Yemen facing a deepening hunger crisis?
Yemen's hunger crisis has worsened significantly in early 2026, with millions at risk of starvation. The ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and climate shocks are driving this humanitarian disaster. But what exactly is causing this crisis, and what can be done to help? Below, we explore the key factors behind Yemen's worsening famine and what the future might hold.
More on these topics
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.