In a move that signals a potential shift towards peace in Yemen’s prolonged conflict, the Houthis have expressed its willingness to sign a roadmap aimed at resolving the nearly decade-long war. However, the group has firmly rejected any connection between this peace process and their ongoing attacks in the Red Sea, which have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships.
Houthi Announcement on Roadmap Signing
During a meeting in the capital, Sana’a, Houthi Foreign Minister Jamal Amer confirmed the group’s readiness to sign the proposed peace roadmap, which is considered a crucial step toward resolving Yemen’s conflict. The meeting involved key representatives from the United Nations, including Mohamed El-Ghanem and Dirk Jan Omtzigt, who are working on bringing both sides closer to peace.
Amer emphasized that the Houthis were fully prepared to commit to the roadmap, dismissing any claims that the delays were a result of US pressure regarding the group’s support for Gaza amidst Israel’s military operations. He highlighted that the Houthis’ commitment to the roadmap was unwavering, irrespective of external political factors.
“We are fully prepared to sign the roadmap as a gateway to political resolution in Yemen,” Amer stated. He also condemned any attempt to link the roadmap’s progress with the Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea. Amer warned that such pressure would only yield “counterproductive results” and would not affect their stance on the peace process.
Red Sea Attacks and Solidarity with Gaza
Since November 2023, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea, launching missile and drone strikes. This move was described as a show of solidarity with Gaza, which has been under Israeli military assault since October 7, 2023. The Houthis have been vocal about their support for the Palestinian cause, and these attacks reflect their broader political stance on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
These attacks have led to significant tensions in the region, with reports of both Israeli-linked vessels being targeted and casualties among the affected crew members. The Houthis’ actions have been met with a strong response from the US and UK military forces, who launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in retaliation. In turn, the Houthis declared US and British vessels as legitimate military targets, expanding their range of attacks to the Arabian Sea and even the Indian Ocean.
Call for Economic Solutions in Yemen
Aside from the political aspects of the peace process, Amer also used the meeting to address Yemen’s dire economic challenges. He called for the establishment of mechanisms to resolve economic issues, urging the formation of a joint economic committee. This committee was established under the 2018 Stockholm Agreement to work toward improving economic conditions and ensuring the payment of government salaries.
Amer stressed that addressing Yemen’s economic issues was just as crucial as the political resolution. He reiterated the importance of addressing the economic needs of the population to restore stability and alleviate the suffering of millions of Yemenis.
Stalled Progress on the Peace Roadmap
The peace roadmap itself, first unveiled by UN envoy Hans Grundberg in December 2023, outlines a comprehensive ceasefire and measures to improve living conditions in Yemen. Despite both sides expressing a commitment to the peace process, significant progress has been hindered by mutual accusations of responsibility for the delays.
Over the past two and a half years, Yemen has experienced relative calm, but tensions have persisted between the Houthis, who control large portions of the country including the capital, and the internationally recognized government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
The peace roadmap, if implemented successfully, could lead to a lasting ceasefire and a political resolution to the conflict. However, with ongoing attacks and economic struggles, the path to peace remains uncertain.
The Road Ahead
As the Houthis signal their willingness to sign the peace roadmap, the international community will be watching closely to see if both sides can overcome their differences. The issue of the Red Sea attacks and the broader geopolitical concerns surrounding the region may complicate the process, but with continued diplomatic efforts, there may still be hope for a peaceful resolution to Yemen’s decade-long war.
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