UN reaches agreement with Yemen rebels to resume food aid

The World Food Programme (WFP) has reached an agreement with Yemen's Houthi rebels to resume food aid to areas under their control. 

Malnutrition is widespread in Yemen after four years of civil war. But the United Nations suspended deliveries of food aid to rebel-held areas last month following accusations of diversion of food.

WFP chief David Beasley told the UN Security Council yesterday that the new agreement with the rebels will allow food to be quickly delivered to the



rebel-held capital Sanaa. He further said that around 20 million people in Yemen are food insecure. 

Mark Lowcock, the UN's humanitarian chief said that international commitments of aid to Yemen were not being honoured. He singled out Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, members of the coalition that intervened in Yemen in support of its government.

The civil war in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people.