Any actions that could lead toward peace are welcome. Today’s Saudi ceasefire proposal can be a launchpad for greater engagement.

It is encouraging, and a testament to the persistence of the Yemeni people and the value of political engagement by the international community, that the Saudi regime views engagement with the peace process as in their self-interest. The Saudis and Emiratis are now on record acknowledging that their occupation of the Sanaa airport must end. They must move forward with this and more. Easing access to Yemen, including reopening the airport in Sanaa, ending Saudi and Emirati occupation of airports and seaports in the north and south, and lifting the Saudis’ devastating naval blockade would bring much-needed aid to stop the spread of famine and disease. For their part, the Houthis must lift the blockade in Taiz and end their bloody military offensive in Mareb. These steps are not concessions to be negotiated in peace talks — they’re humanitarian relief that must be secured as soon as possible. 

Every day of this six-year proxy war means more Yemeni civilians, women and children needlessly suffer and die -- in service of Saudi, Emirati and Iranian leaders’ interests and those of their proxy militias. The Saudis, Emiratis, Iranians and their proxy forces must end their malign interference in and occupation of Yemen, and stop funding the militias, which serve only to undermine security and stability and to prevent peace. The US, UN and international community should use their influence to end this intervention and all forms of hegemony and occupation of Yemen, as well as to ensure that peace talks center Yemeni voices and Yemeni demands. All parties must act urgently to end this death spiral and ensure that Yemenis can once again control their own destiny and decisions, live free of war and famine and return to their democratic project. 

Any lasting peace plan must be brokered with Yemenis at the head of the table, and include accountability for all those who have waged this deadly war.