Sana'a, Yemen – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has announced plans to expand its assistance in Houthi-controlled areas over the coming weeks, as it addresses severe food shortages in regions classified as experiencing humanitarian crises.

In its monthly humanitarian report, the WFP indicated that it is preparing a new emergency food assistance program (TEFA) aimed at delivering critical support to 1.4 million people in northern Yemen. This initiative, which began in early November, is part of the WFP's rapid emergency response to the worsening food security situation caused by the suspension of aid distribution.

The WFP initiated its emergency response in August 2024 to combat the acute deterioration of food security in Houthi-controlled territories, which has persisted since December 2023. According to the report, approximately 32% of households in these areas reported "severe food deprivation." Despite a slight monthly decline in food consumption rates, the incidence of "poor food consumption" remains significantly high, with a 65% increase compared to November 2023.

The report also highlighted severe livelihood challenges, noting the emergence of various survival strategies in Houthi areas, including 9% of residents resorting to begging and selling assets to meet their basic needs.

On July 9, 2024, the WFP resumed limited aid distributions in Houthi-controlled regions after a six-month suspension due to disputes over beneficiary lists. The organization attributed the halt in aid to unsuccessful negotiations with Houthi authorities regarding a scaled-down program that would adjust to the available resources for the most vulnerable families.

The WFP had aimed to reduce the number of direct aid recipients in Houthi areas from 9.5 million to 6.5 million, a proposal that was rejected by the Houthi group, leading to a complete cessation of assistance.