Saudi Arabia provides $274 billion in humanitarian aid to Yemen.

(Baonghean) - On Saturday, April 18th, the Saudi Arabian government announced that it will provide $274 billion to the United Nations to fund humanitarian operations in Yemen. This announcement reportedly follows appeals for help for the Yemeni people from the United Nations and several other non-governmental organizations on April 17th.

According to SPA news agency, the Royal Cabinet Office stated that King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz made the decision on April 17th. King Salman hopes to “restore security and stability” to Yemen. He also stated that Saudi Arabia “stands shoulder to shoulder with its Yemeni brothers.”

Yemeni children in a refugee camp in Bosasso, Somalia, on April 17. Photo: Reuters

Accordingly, the money that Saudi Arabia is donating to the United Nations will be used to help 7.5 million people affected by the conflict in Yemen, where the Saudi-led Gulf coalition has been conducting military operations against Houthi rebels since March 26.

Humanitarian coordinator Johannes Van Der Klaauw warned, “Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes because of the conflicts and fighting. Many families are struggling to access medical care, drinking water, food, and fuel.” On Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also lamented the severe shortage of medical supplies, food, and fuel in Yemen.

Furthermore, the situation in Yemen is deteriorating as the death toll and injuries continue to rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 767 deaths and 2,906 injuries in the conflicts in Yemen. Addrian Edwards, spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said the fighting had forced between 120,000 and 150,000 people to flee their homes, and more than 300,000 others had already been displaced before the crisis began.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde, April 18)