Saudi, UAE launch plan to ensure safety of Hodeida civilians

Riyadh - The five-point plan will be underpinned by the continued support in Yemen of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the UAE Red Crescent.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have announced on Wednesday a comprehensive, multi-faceted plan for the protection of civilians in Hodeida and surrounding areas. The five-point plan, which aims to safeguard and intensify the flow of humanitarian aid into the port of Hodeida, will be underpinned by the continued support in Yemen of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the UAE Red Crescent.
The joint plan sets out the following guarantees for the protection of civilians in the province:
. Establishment of a continuous shipping lane from Jazan (Saudi Arabia) and Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Hodeida, allowing for the preservation of shipping deliveries of food, medical and oil supplies.
. Distribution of urgently-needed food supplies by teams on the ground.
. Additional provisions for hospitals through the allocation of medical supplies, equipment and experienced staff.
. Sustained operation of electrical stations to ensure unbroken supply needed for citizens, hospitals and the port.
. Ongoing economic support to preserve trade and business in Hodeida.
Commenting on the launch of the plan, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor-General of KSRelief, said: "We are committed to doing everything possible to preserve the safety of those in and around the port of Hodeida. KSRelief is working around the clock, coordinating with partner agencies on the ground in the province to ensure that aid continues to flow freely and efficiently. We are taking all measures possible to intensify the supply of humanitarian provisions to the people of Yemen and will continue to do all we can to make sure help reaches those who need it."

• MENA