A charity event at a school in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa turned deadly as a crush killed at least 78 people during the distribution of donations for Ramadan. Hundreds of people had gathered to receive the $9 (£7) donation, leading to overcrowding and chaos. The interior ministry has detained those responsible for the distribution of funds and is conducting an investigation. The Houthi rebels, who have controlled the city since 2015, blamed the incident on the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The tragic event occurred during the final days of Ramadan, a holy month in which Muslims fast and engage in charitable giving. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle in Yemen, where years of conflict and economic crisis have led to severe humanitarian conditions. The country is also facing one of the world’s worst food crises, with millions of people at risk of starvation.
Yemen has been plagued by conflict since 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervening in the conflict. The war has caused the displacement of millions of people and has left the country on the brink of famine. The tragic incident at the school highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and a commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.
The crushing incident at the charity event is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of conflict and economic crisis on vulnerable populations. It underscores the need for the international community to take action to provide humanitarian aid and address the root causes of conflict in Yemen. The tragic event serves as a call to action for leaders around the world to prioritize diplomacy and aid to help bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Source: BBC
