In a major development from Yemen, the warring parties in the long-running conflict in the Middle Eastern country committed to a new ceasefire and also agreed to engage in a UN-led peace process that would put an end to the fighting, the UN special envoy for Yemen released a statement saying on Saturday (Dec 23).
The envoy, Hans Grundberg, “welcomes the parties’ commitment to a set of measures to implement a nation-wide ceasefire, improve living conditions in Yemen, and engage in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices,” he said in a statement.
The decision was announced after a series of meetings with the parties in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Yemen has been under the grip of the conflict since Iran-backed Houthis seized control of the capital Sanaa in the year 2014, which further triggered a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the beleaguered government the following year.
Last year, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire deal that came into effect in the month of April which further brought a sharp reduction in hostilities. The truce deal expired in October last year, though fighting largely remains on hold.
Grundberg will now “engage with the parties to establish a roadmap under UN auspices” that includes these commitments.
“Yemenis are watching and waiting for this new opportunity to provide for tangible results and progress towards lasting peace,” Grundberg said.
“The parties have taken a significant step. Their commitments are, first and foremost, an obligation to the Yemeni people.”
Red Sea attacks
The development comes in the midst of a series of attacks by Houthi rebels targeting key shipping lanes in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis have pledged to attack Israel-linked vessels or ships heading to Israeli ports unless an end is brought to the Israel-Hamas war that started on Oct 7.
As per the Pentagon, they have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries.
(With inputs from agencies)
