Yemenis Unable to Reach Hospital Are Part of the Iran War Death Toll

Abdullah struggled with kidney failure for two years and required dialysis treatments twice a week. However, the ongoing siege in Taiz, Yemen prevented him from reaching the dialysis center in the city. His son, Muadh, expressed their inability to move him due to intensified fighting. The 58-year-old passed away at home a week later.

Dr. Issam Mahyoub, director of the kidney dialysis center, reported that at least 10 such patients have died since the siege began. Dr. Fouad al-Haddad, head of the hospital, stated that about 60% of kidney failure patients in Taiz face the risk of death due to their inability to reach the clinic. These deaths are a consequence of the broader regional conflict sparked by Israel's and the United States' unprovoked attack on Iran in February.

The toll of the war has reached tens of thousands, as estimated by the World Health Organization. The situation in Taiz highlights how geopolitical tensions translate into blocked medical care and preventable deaths, said Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy. Yemen entered the war in March when the Iran-aligned Houthis started firing missiles into Israel, leading to an escalation involving missile, drone, and ground attacks on various fronts.

The Houthis' expansion into strategic areas, including the coastal city of Taiz, severed access to healthcare facilities and supplies. As a result, many residents, including dialysis patients, are trapped in a dire situation with no hope of medical intervention.