Four oil tankers have received rare permits from the internationally recognized Yemeni government – backed by Saudi Arabia and its military – to dock between March 31 and April 8. But humanitarian agencies in Yemen told CNN that the fuel is far from enough to deliver aid to millions of people in the north of the country, where pockets of famine have arrived. There were no indications from the government or Saudi Arabia that it intended to allow the other 10 ships to dock.
The letter, signed by prominent Democrats such as the president of the intelligence service of the Adam Schiff House in California, the president of the judicial system Jerry Nadler in New York and several members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, specifically asks Biden to “put public pressure” on the Saudi regime to end the blockade.
“This must include ensuring that humanitarian and commercial imports can enter Yemen freely; entrusting the security oversight of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM); full permitting of flights to and from Sana’a Airport; and ensuring that crossings for civilian traffic are permanently open, “the letter reads.
In response to the CNN report, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat said the country would agree to a UN-backed proposal to end the conflict in Yemen. The proposal would include a ceasefire and the end of the blockade. It was the first time the Saudi government has acknowledged that there is a blockade of any kind. The Houthi and Yemeni governments have not yet agreed to the UN proposals.
Saudi Arabia has waged a six-year war in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who ousted the internationally recognized Sana’a government in 2015. The conflict has become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The State Department expressed optimism that some fuel ships managed to dock in Yemeni ports, but said it was only part of the problem. The department remains concerned that the resources coming to the country are not sufficient for the needs of the population.
“The free flow of fuel and other essential goods in and across Yemen is essential to support the provision of humanitarian assistance and other essential activities,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said on March 24. “The United States appreciates this decision of the Republic of Yemen. The fuel must go without delay in the Yemeni markets to power hospitals, ensure food delivery and access to water, and generally help alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.”
Members of Congress make it clear in their letter that they will block the blockade altogether.
They are concerned that the situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate. In their letter, lawmakers cite estimates that about 16 million people are at risk of starvation due to the blockade. A group of American Yemenis in Michigan went on hunger strike in solidarity with the Yemenis. Their efforts encouraged Congresswoman Rep. Democrat Debbie Dingell, sign the letter.
“The cessation of US support for Saudi-led offensive operations in Yemen alone is not enough if we allow the blockade to continue. It is estimated that 400,000 Yemeni children under the age of 5 could starve to death this year if this blockade continues – this it needs to be lifted now, “Dingell said. “That’s why I’m proud today to lead my colleagues to press the Biden-Harris administration to use their leverage to end this blockade. With a large Yemeni community in Michigan’s 12th district, I continue to see firsthand the pain and devastation caused to our neighbors. because they lost their family and friends as a result of this war and the humanitarian crisis that followed. ”
The hunger strike group set up in front of the White House on Tuesday and was visited by Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar.
The Biden administration has ended support for all Saudi-led offensive operations earlier this year. CNN contacted the White House for its response to the letter.
A collection of 70 national organizations sent Biden a letter similar to a request to put pressure on the Saudi government. The signatories of that letter include several prominent stars who supported Biden’s presidential campaign, such as actors Mark Ruffalo, Amy Schumer and Alyssa Milano.
CNN’s Maegan Vazquez and Jennifer Hansler contributed to the report.