On Monday, the United Nations announced the suspension of its humanitarian operations in Yemen's Houthi-controlled stronghold after the rebels kidnapped eight more U.N. staff members. This decision is expected to impact efforts to address one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

In its statement, the U.N. described the decision to suspend all operations and programs in northern Saada province as "extraordinary," citing the absence of "necessary security conditions and guarantees" as the reason for the pause.

In recent months, the rebels have detained numerous U.N. staff members, along with individuals connected to aid organisations, civil society groups and the former U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.

A Houthi spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to the UN statement, the suspension of operations is intended to allow time for both the Houthis and the organisation to “arrange the release of arbitrarily abducted UN personnel and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place to deliver critical humanitarian support” in areas under rebel control.

The UN stated that the recently detained staff members included six individuals working in Saada, near Yemen’s northern border with Saudi Arabia, which has affected its operational capacity.

Late last month, the UN also halted all travel into areas controlled by the Houthis.

The ongoing war in Yemen has claimed the lives of over 150,000 people, including both combatants and civilians. Since 2014, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been engaged in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives support from a Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014

Throughout the war, the rebels have imprisoned thousands of individuals. In recent months, they have escalated their crackdown on dissent, with a notable instance being the recent sentencing of 44 people to death.

In January, the Houthis unilaterally released 153 war detainees as part of several recent gestures aimed at reducing tensions following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Earlier prisoner releases were seen as an effort to revive negotiations for a lasting resolution to Yemen’s conflict.