SANAA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- As the holiday of Eid al-Fitr approaches, a glimmer of hope flickered in the war-torn capital of Sanaa. A large charity fair, organized by a local charitable body, aimed to bring smiles to the faces of 75,000 Yemeni children from underprivileged families.
The fair offered a much-needed respite for these children, many of whom come from families displaced by conflict, orphaned, or struggling financially. The economic hardship brought on by nine years of war has pushed millions to the brink of starvation, according to a recent report by the United Nations.
The fair was a lifeline for Hatem Abdurab, a father of seven who works as a daily wage laborer. "My children wouldn't have had new clothes for Eid without this," he said, a hint of relief in his voice.
Suleiman Ismail Ghallab echoed Abdurab's sentiment. "This project is a blessing," he said, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to provide for his children during the holiday.
The fair bustled with activity as families streamed in, greeted by volunteers who ensured a smooth and welcoming experience.
"Our goal is to bring joy to these families and their children during Eid," explained Mohammed Al-Mushky, one of the fair's organizers.
Yemen has been embroiled in a protracted civil conflict since 2014, when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa. In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in an attempt to restore the government.
Despite diplomatic endeavors over the years, neither side has demonstrated the will to revive negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict, which, according to UN estimates, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and pushed millions more to the brink of famine.
The war also crippled the country's economy. Government employee salaries in the north have been disrupted, private companies have shuttered, and investors have fled. Basic services and development projects have also stalled since the conflict began in late 2014.
