The United Nations has confirmed significant damage to Yemen's Red Sea ports, following a series of airstrikes and ongoing conflict in the region. 

According to UN officials, less than a quarter of the port capacities remain operational, raising concerns about the ability to deliver essential relief supplies to the citizens of Yemen.

Julien Harneis, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, highlighted the impact of recent airstrikes on Hodeidah harbor, which has been particularly affected in the last few weeks. 

The damage has severely impeded efforts to deliver food and fuel to Yemen, with local officials reporting that the port's capacity in Hodeidah, Salif, and the Ras Issa oil terminal has been reduced by 70 percent.

The conflict has also led to the sinking of four out of five tugboats in Hodeidah, further crippling port operations. 

The UN has been working with local authorities to maintain aid and has a long-term plan to repair the damage to the Red Sea ports, which have been under the control of the Houthis for a decade.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has left almost half of Yemen's population unable to meet their basic food needs, with shipments via ports dropping to 30 percent of full capacity. 

The UN has called for urgent and unified action to address the crisis and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure2.