UN calls on world to provide $274 million in aid for humanitarian needs in Yemen

A Yemeni boy holding a weapon poses for a picture during a demonstration against an arms embargo imposed by the U.N. Security Council on Houthi leaders, in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, April 16, 2015. Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen seized Thursday control of a major airport and sea port and oil terminal in southern Yemen, consolidating their hold of the country’s largest province amid wider chaos that is pitting Shiite rebels against forces loyal to the country’s exiled president and a Saudi-led air campaign. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed) (The Associated Press)

The shadow of Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, are cast on a large representation of the Yemeni flag as they attend a demonstration against an arms embargo imposed by the U.N. Security Council on Houthi leaders, in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, April 16, 2015. Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen seized Thursday control of a major airport and sea port and oil terminal in southern Yemen, consolidating their hold of the country’s largest province amid wider chaos that is pitting Shiite rebels against forces loyal to the country’s exiled president and a Saudi-led air campaign.(AP Photo/Hani Mohammed) (The Associated Press)

The United Nations is urging the world to provide $274 million in aid to help save lives and protect some 7.5 million people affected by the escalating conflict in Yemen.

In a statement Friday, the U.N. says that along with its partners in Yemen it needs the funds to purchase medical supplies, safe drinking water, food assistance, emergency shelter and provide logistical support.

Fighting between Shiite rebels and forces loyal to exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi intensified in March, and a three-week-old Saudi-led airstrikes' campaign in support of Hadi has so far failed to halt the rebels' advance or get them to lay down their arms.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs says that the turmoil has killed hundreds of people and displaced at least 150,000.