Saudi Arabia offers Yemen truce, blockade lift in exchange for talks

Key facts

• Saudi Arabia proposed a two-week ceasefire to Yemen's Houthi rebels.
• The proposal includes lifting the air, land, and sea blockade on Yemen.
• Riyadh is ready to discuss humanitarian demands and secure a comprehensive deal.
• The Houthis reportedly desire a comprehensive settlement including withdrawal of Saudi forces.
• The offer was conveyed through an Omani mediator following contacts with the US, Egypt, Pakistan, and Oman.
• The report comes amid an escalation in fighting in Yemen and rising tensions.

Saudi Arabia has put forward a proposal for a two-week ceasefire with Yemen's Houthi rebels, which could lead to direct talks and a comprehensive settlement, according to Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar. The offer reportedly includes lifting the blockade on Yemen and addressing humanitarian demands.

The newspaper cited sources indicating that Riyadh is prepared to discuss humanitarian needs and ultimately reach a broad agreement. However, the Houthis have expressed reservations, seeking a more extensive settlement that would involve the withdrawal of Saudi military, security, and political forces from Yemen.

The proposal was reportedly transmitted to the Houthis via an Omani mediator, following discussions involving Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, Pakistan, and Oman. This initiative comes at a time of heightened conflict in Yemen, with Houthi forces recently seizing strategic areas along the Red Sea coast and conducting attacks within Saudi Arabia.