Yemen Faces Starvation Crisis As Egypt Debates Tax Policy

In recent weeks, a series of policy decisions and humanitarian developments have sent ripples across the Middle East, affecting millions of lives in Egypt and Yemen. As governments grapple with complex social and economic challenges, citizens and officials alike are raising their voices about the far-reaching consequences of these changes.

On January 28, 2026, the Yemeni Ministry of Human Rights delivered a dire warning: six million people in Yemen are now at risk of starvation, a direct result of an intensifying conflict and a newly imposed blockade. According to the ministry, this blockade—put in place about two weeks prior—has dramatically restricted the movement of goods and humanitarian aid, plunging the country into an even deeper crisis.

The numbers are staggering. Food prices have soared by 50%, and countless families have lost access to basic necessities. The ministry’s statement, reported by multiple outlets, emphasized that "the blockade has severely restricted the movement of goods and humanitarian aid," leading to significant shortages and increased suffering for ordinary Yemenis. The ministry also warned that "the blockade will worsen the humanitarian crisis and called for lifting restrictions on aid and goods."

This is not the first time Yemen has faced such hardship, but the new blockade has disrupted the already fragile delivery of aid and essential supplies. The ministry’s announcement painted a grim picture: a nation where the simple act of putting food on the table has become a daily struggle for millions. The humanitarian community, both inside and outside Yemen, is now calling for immediate international action to lift the restrictions and restore the flow of life-saving assistance.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Egypt, a different kind of policy debate is unfolding—one that could reshape the daily lives of Egyptians returning from abroad. On January 29, 2026, Egyptian activist Osama Afeefi, president of the Popular Protection Guard Council and a member of the Shura Council, addressed the controversial decision to suspend armed resistance on the Egyptian border with Kharg. According to Afeefi, "the decision to suspend the armed resistance on the border was not a betrayal but a strategic decision." He underscored that "the resistance is a legitimate right and that the suspension does not mean the end of resistance."

The armed resistance council, under Afeefi’s leadership, has called for the resumption of resistance activities along the border. They have also launched a media campaign to support continued efforts and communication, signaling that the debate over strategy and security remains far from settled. "The council has launched a media campaign to support the continuation of resistance efforts and communication," Afeefi stated, highlighting the ongoing resolve among activists and supporters.

But the policy debates in Egypt don’t stop at security. In a separate but equally consequential development, the Egyptian government is reviewing its decision to cancel tax exemptions on mobile phones brought into the country by returning citizens. This move, which has sparked widespread discussion, is being carefully scrutinized for its potential impact on everyday Egyptians.

Isam Hilal Afifi, assistant secretary-general of the Future of the Homeland Party and a member of the Senate, has been vocal about the need for a balanced approach. In comments to Tahya Misr, he argued that "the decision to cancel the tax exemption on mobile phones that citizens bring from abroad needs further study, especially regarding its implementation mechanisms on the ground." Afifi stressed that some individuals should be exempt from these taxes—particularly if the phone in question is their only personal device. "Imposing fees in this case represents an unjustified burden," he said.

Afifi went on to argue that "this decision should not be applied indiscriminately to all groups without distinction," suggesting that exemptions should be considered for those whose living conditions or work requirements make a mobile phone essential. The issue is currently under review by the Communications and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives, which is seeking a "balanced mechanism that ensures the state’s rights without harming citizens." Afifi emphasized the importance of "achieving a balance between maximizing state resources and considering the social dimension."

This debate over mobile phone taxes has become emblematic of broader concerns in Egypt about balancing fiscal responsibility with social equity. For many Egyptians, especially those working or studying abroad, the ability to bring a personal device home without additional financial burden is more than a convenience—it’s a matter of staying connected to family, work, and community.

Across the Red Sea, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with the blockade causing ripple effects throughout the region. The Yemeni Ministry of Human Rights has been unequivocal in its call for action, warning that "the new blockade has disrupted the delivery of aid and essential supplies to Yemen." With each passing day, the stakes grow higher for millions who depend on international assistance for their survival.

The contrast between Egypt’s policy deliberations and Yemen’s urgent humanitarian needs is striking, yet both highlight the delicate balance that governments must strike between security, economic stability, and the welfare of their citizens. In both cases, officials have stressed the importance of careful study and measured action, yet the human consequences of these decisions are already being felt on the ground.

In Egypt, the ongoing review of tax policies reflects a recognition that blanket measures can sometimes do more harm than good. As Afifi and others have noted, policies must be tailored to accommodate the diverse circumstances of citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The hope is that by involving parliamentary committees and seeking input from stakeholders, a fair and effective solution can be reached.

In Yemen, the situation is more urgent. The ministry’s warnings are a call to arms for the international community, urging rapid intervention to prevent a catastrophe. The blockade’s impact on food prices and access to essentials has left millions teetering on the brink, and the clock is ticking for those whose lives depend on aid that cannot reach them.

As the region faces these intersecting crises, the stories of ordinary people—whether they are struggling to feed their families in Yemen or navigating new regulations upon returning to Egypt—underscore the profound impact of policy decisions. The coming weeks will be crucial, as officials, activists, and citizens alike work to shape outcomes that reflect both the needs of the state and the dignity of its people.

Whether through parliamentary debate or urgent humanitarian appeals, the message is clear: the stakes are high, and the world is watching.