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UNITED NATIONS, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday lashed out at Houthi rebels in Yemen for misappropriating aid supplies.

"Today, I am sad to report that the World Food Programme is being prevented from feeding the hungriest people in Yemen. Food assistance provided by the United Nations is being diverted in areas controlled by Ansar Allah at the expense of hungry children, women and men," David Beasley told the United Nations Security Council, using the formal name of the Houthi rebels.

"The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire. And despite the immense suffering of the 20 million Yemenis who do not have enough to eat, we continue to face fierce resistance to simply just do our job to keep people alive," he said.

Beasley said the Houthi rebels have repeatedly refused to allow the WFP to operate independently, which is a necessary condition to ensure that aid reaches the people in real need.

He warned that the WFP will have to begin a phased suspension of food assistance, most likely toward the end of the week unless it receives the necessary assurances from the Houthis.

"If and when we do initiate suspension, we will continue our nutrition program for malnourished children, pregnant women and new mothers," he noted. "And we will also keep pushing to get an agreement. We want to resolve this quickly so that people can get the help they need and the help they deserve. Then we can go back to our regular work."