Yemenis tremble as cease-fire extension fails
With the truce expired in Yemen, a return to full-blown war has horrified humanitarian organizations and Yemeni civilians alike.
The failure to extend a truce has thrown millions of Yemenis into a state of anxiety and confusion over the last three days, deeply concerning humanitarian organizations and Yemeni civilians.
Starting April 2, the UN-sponsored cease-fire offered massive relief to war-torn Yemen for the first time in seven years. It brought international flights back to Sanaa Airport and fuel ships to Houthi-controlled Hodeida ports. With its expiration, civilians' suffering is sure to resume.
"It is appalling to imagine we could once again slip into the brutal war that has already devastated the entire population of Yemen and left its children with a lasting scare of fear and uncertainty," said Save the Children's deputy country director for Yemen, Ashfaq Ahmad. His Oct. 3 statement expressed disappointment at watching the country move from a peaceful path back toward conflict.
Ferran Puig, Oxfam's country director in Yemen, said the development is "terrible news" and estimated that millions will be at risk should air strikes, ground shelling and missile attacks resume. Puig said that renewed combat would worsen the crisis and undermine efforts toward lasting peace.
