Daijiworld Media Network - Cairo
Cairo, Nov 13: Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy on Thursday warned of an impending health and humanitarian crisis in Yemen's southwestern Taiz province due to severe shortages of fuel, oxygen, medicines and essential medical supplies in hospitals.
In a statement, Fahmy expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health situation, warning that the shortages could disrupt critical medical services, particularly the functioning of incubators for premature and newborn babies.
He cautioned that continued obstruction of essential supplies could trigger a humanitarian disaster, putting children and other patients at immediate risk.
"Depriving civilians of medical care and humanitarian assistance is unacceptable," Fahmy said, stressing that saving lives should not be delayed or made subject to political or military considerations, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The Arab League chief called for the immediate removal of restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies to Taiz. He also urged all concerned parties to ensure safe passage for patients and medical personnel.
Holding the Houthis responsible for the humanitarian consequences of the continued restrictions, Fahmy called for investigations and accountability.
He further urged humanitarian organisations and relevant parties to take immediate steps to meet hospitals' requirements and ensure the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of essential supplies to prevent any disruption to medical services.
Meanwhile, at least 11 people were killed in airstrikes on a village near Yemen's capital Sanaa on Saturday, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, which blamed Saudi warplanes for the attacks amid escalating hostilities in the war-torn country.
The airstrikes reportedly destroyed five residential houses in Ash Sharyah village in Bani Hushaysh district, east of Sanaa. Women and children were among those killed.
The head of the district's health office told al-Masirah that rescue teams had recovered 11 bodies from the rubble. He added that the death toll was preliminary as search and recovery operations were still underway.
The channel further reported that Saudi warplanes carried out two additional airstrikes targeting rescue workers and struck roads leading to the village. Military aircraft reportedly continued to fly over the area.