The European Union issued a public statement via social media calling on Houthi forces to immediately lift the siege currently imposed on Taiz, a major city in southwestern Yemen. The EU emphasized that the blockade prevents the entry of essential goods and humanitarian aid, which are critical for the survival of the local population.

According to the World Food Programme, Taiz is experiencing some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. The EU’s statement underscored the necessity of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, asserting that humanitarian partners must be granted unhindered access to deliver supplies to those in need. While the EU identifies the Houthi forces as the party responsible for the siege, the report does not include a response from Houthi leadership or their perspective on the blockade. The situation in Taiz remains a significant point of concern for international aid organizations, as the city has been effectively cut off for an extended period, leading to shortages of food, medicine, and other basic necessities.