US attacks over the past three days on multiple areas in Yemen have killed eight children and displaced civilians, particularly in the coastal city of Hodeidah, the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) said, warning that Western coastal areas are “on the verge of a catastrophe” due to malnutrition.
Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative in Yemen, described his observations from Hodeidah, stating, “I was in Hodeidah over the past three days. I passed through the western plains, where people are out in the streets and along the roadsides, begging and seeking help. They have lost hope. I personally saw a heavily damaged building where three children were injured in the bombing yesterday.”
“We’ve seen figures of 33% severe and acute malnutrition in certain areas. Especially on the west coast, in Hodeidah it is on the verge of a catastrophe…where thousands will die,” Hawkins told reporters in Geneva via video link in Sanaa.
He confirmed that eight children have been killed in the latest airstrikes on northern Yemen, emphasizing that these attacks have had a direct impact on the people living near the targeted areas.
“Some of our staff members have also been affected by these bombings. It is truly shocking,” Hawkins added.
Additionally, the UNICEF official warned that the ongoing humanitarian crises in Yemen amount to “a death sentence for thousands of children,” calling on the international community to urgently respond by securing an additional $157 million in humanitarian aid for 2025
