Sanaa, April 10 (RHC)-- In Yemen, the U.S.-backed, Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels has declared a two-week unilateral ceasefire as COVID-19 spreads across the Arabian Peninsula.  Five years of aggression have devastated Yemen’s healthcare and sanitation infrastructure, leading to what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe. 

Over 100,000 people are dead, with millions at risk of famine — as well as COVID-19 infection.  Yemen has recorded over two million cases of cholera since 2016.  Last month, the Trump administration cut off tens of millions of dollars in medical aid and other assistance for Yemen.

The Yemen ceasefire comes amid reports that as many as 150 members of the Saudi royal family have contracted COVID-19, including 76-year-old Prince Faisal bin Bandar, the governor of Riyadh, who has reportedly been admitted to an intensive care unit.