Yemeni minister urges urgent action to lift Houthi siege on Taiz

Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Turki Al-Wadaei, has stressed that lifting the siege imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on the city of Taiz and ending the suffering of its residents is a religious, national and humanitarian duty, requiring urgent action from the international community and humanitarian and human rights organizations.

Speaking to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), Al-Wadaei said: "The continued siege of cities by the Houthi militia, depriving residents of freedom of movement and access to basic needs, contradicts the objectives of Islamic law, which seeks to protect life, preserve humanity and prevent harm." He affirmed that helping the oppressed and aiding those affected is a religious and humanitarian responsibility that requires serious action to end their suffering.

He drew parallels between the humanitarian suffering of Taiz residents under siege and the plight of civilians in Gaza facing blockade and Israeli attacks, highlighting the severe daily hardships caused by such restrictions. Al-Wadaei called on the international community and relevant organizations to intensify efforts to end the siege, open roads, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to those in need.

The Yemeni minister emphasized the need to end the suffering of Taiz, given its national and humanitarian significance, warning that ongoing road closures and restrictions on movement worsen living and health conditions and increase the burden on affected families. He urged practical steps to facilitate movement and secure access to essential supplies and services.

Al-Wadaei also called on scholars, preachers and religious leaders to fulfill their religious and educational responsibilities by highlighting the actions of the Iran-backed Houthi militia, condemning injustice and violations of civilian rights, and drawing attention to the suffering of Taiz residents. He urged society to uphold values of solidarity and compassion and to support affected families, in line with Islamic teachings to help those in distress and support the oppressed and needy.

He warned that continued international silence over the suffering of civilians risks normalizing the tragedy and prolonging its consequences, stressing that justice for the oppressed and alleviating the suffering of those affected is a duty dictated by Islamic values and affirmed by humanitarian conventions.

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