The Houthi rebels are refusing to give up arms despite Saudi Arabia’s ceasefire offer on Monday, 22nd March.
The Saudi-led coalition proposed peace plan follows nearly six years of war in Yemen, labelled the worst humanitarian crisis of all time by the United Nations.
The plan includes an UN-supervised ceasefire between Yemen’s Saudi backed government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the partial lifting of the blockage at Sana’a international airport and lifting trade restrictions at Hodeidah port – a government-controlled seaport.
As a gesture of goodwill, four fuel ships were cleared from the Hodeidah, a strategic port on the Red Sea.
In response to the proposal, The United Nations say they welcome Saudi Arabia announcement ‘aimed at bringing the parties closer to a resolution.’
However, the Iran-backed group have stated the proposed plan is ‘nothing new’ and did not meet their demands for a complete lifting of restrictions at Sana’a airport, as Saudi Arabia maintains control over the airspace.
In a televised address, Houthi Leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said: “How come those who have launched the war now claim they are eager to mediate peace in our country?”
“Lifting the blockage and other humanitarian matters could not be part of any political or military negotiations. We would never accept that.”
The ceasefire offer follows the Houthi rebel’s rejection of a US plan two weeks ago because failed to include any efforts to lift the blockage at Hodeidah port.
Back in February, President Biden announced the US would end its support for offensive operations led by Saudi-led forces in Yemen and put a temporary halt on arms sales to Riyadh.
The US also revoked its designation of the Houthis as a ‘terrorist organisation’ after Trump added the group to a terrorist list before leaving office earlier this year.
In his first major foreign speech policy speech, President Biden said: “The war in Yemen must end.”
The US’ shift in focus to end the war has helped to accelerate international diplomacy in recent months, with the recent appointment of US special envoy Tim Lenderking.
The developments could help to end a war that has resulted in 80% of Yemen’s population in need of humanitarian aid and protection, according to UNICEF.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, described the conflict facing Yemenis as ‘a dire humanitarian situation, including the prospect of large-scale famine.’
But, with both sides backed by opposing forces, the US for Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, whatever solutions are brought to the table, they will be welcomed by the people of Yemen who are caught in the cross-fire.
Feature image courtesy of IRIN Photos on Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Millie Lockhart