Snapshot 7:Tue, Jan 20, 2026 1:19:26 PM GMT last edited by ArthursSeat22

18M Yemenis Face Worsening Hunger Crisis in 2026

Is Yemen's crisis caused by Houthi terrorism and Iranian interference, or by catastrophic Western funding cuts?

Published 1 day ago

18M Yemenis Face Worsening Hunger Crisis in 2026

story

Above: A mother cares for her child suffering from acute malnutrition in Sana'a, on Dec. 14, 2024. Image credit: Mohammed Hamoud/Contributor/Getty Images

The Spin

Yemen's humanitarian catastrophe has been exacerbated by Houthi terrorism and Iranian interference, which many observers argue have sabotaged peace efforts and weakened state institutions. The Houthis are seenthe by many Yemenis as a primary enemy, undermining governance and deepening the crisis through reported arbitrary detention of UNU.N. personnel and alleged blocking of aid delivery to millions. Any peace process that does not address the Houthi coup and efforts to disarm these militias risks prolonging suffering and regional instability.

AsiaOne International Business Times

Catastrophic funding cuts by Western donors have reversed a decade of humanitarian progress and pushed 18 million Yemenis toward starvation. International neglect and slashed aid budgets have forced the closure of nutrition programs and health facilities, leaving families to collect wild plants just to survive. The crisis isn't inevitable — immediate donor action and restored funding can prevent widespread famine before mortality rates spike.

Al Jazeera rescue.org

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 50% chance that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Yemen’s Houthis mediated by Oman will be broken before June 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.