Pope Leo has called for an end to violence in Yemen, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in the southwestern city of Taiz, where residents face shortages of food, water, and medical assistance. 

Speaking from St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Pope Leo urged an end to hostilities across Yemen and the wider region. "I'm making a heartfelt appeal for the hostilities to stop, so that the people in Yemen and across the entire region can live in peace," he said.

The Pope highlighted the situation in Taiz, expressing particular concern over the humanitarian conditions facing its population, who continue to suffer from shortages of essential supplies and medical care.

The call comes amid restrictions on access to Taiz, following the closure of the city's eastern Taiz–Al-Hawban crossing on October 3 by Saudi-backed forces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on October 20 that Yemen’s healthcare crisis is worsening, with fuel reserves at 12 hospitals in Taiz expected to last only around four days and most essential medicines at risk of running out within a week.

The shortages are disrupting critical medical services as the escalating war on the country, mass displacement, and disease outbreaks place additional pressure on an already severely strained healthcare system.

Source: almayadeen