UN says Saudis commit to fund aid appeal for Yemen

Amman: The United Nations says Saudi Arabia has agreed to completely cover the USD 273.7 million needed for emergency aid to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe inside Yemen.

The UN issued the urgent appeal last week, saying it was needed to save lives and protect some 7.5 million people affected by Yemen's conflict and in dire need of medical supplies, safe drinking water, food assistance, emergency shelter and logistical support.

Purnima Kahsyap, humanitarian coordinator for OCHA in Yemen, said that the UN was thankful to Saudi Arabia for covering the entire appeal cost, but urged all other partners to continue to provide assistance as the needs continue to grow.

A Saudi-led coalition launched an air offensive against Yemen's Shiite rebels on March 26.