In a significant development in the long-standing conflict in Yemen, the warring sides have committed to taking crucial steps towards a ceasefire and engaging in a United Nations-led peace process. The announcement was made by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Grundberg, following a series of meetings between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Houthis in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

According to a statement released by Grundberg's office, he warmly welcomed the parties' commitment to a set of measures aimed at implementing a nationwide ceasefire, improving living conditions in Yemen, and preparing for the resumption of an inclusive political process. The envoy now plans to engage with the parties to establish a roadmap under UN auspices, which will include these commitments and support their implementation.

In addition to the ceasefire, the plan agreed upon by both sides includes a commitment to resume oil exports, ensure the payment of all public sector salaries, open roads in Taiz and other parts of Yemen, and further ease restrictions on Sanaa Airport and the Hodeidah port. These measures aim to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and facilitate the movement of goods and people across the country.

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital city, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention to support the government forces in the following year. This has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing the dire consequences of the conflict.

While a UN-brokered ceasefire in April 2022 led to a significant reduction in hostilities, it expired in October last year. However, despite the expiration, fighting has largely remained on hold, creating an environment conducive to renewed peace initiatives.

The recent peace momentum gained traction after regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China. This breakthrough further accentuates the potential for a resolution to the Yemeni conflict.

The UN envoy's announcement comes at a time when there has been a surge in Houthi attacks on key shipping lanes in the Red Sea, carried out in solidarity with the Palestinians facing attacks in the Gaza Strip. These attacks underline the complexities and volatility of the regional dynamics surrounding the conflict.

As the Yemeni parties commit to a ceasefire and the initiation of a UN-led peace process, hopes are high for a potential breakthrough that could bring much-needed stability and relief to the war-torn country. The international community closely watches these developments, as Yemen's future hangs in the balance, with the aspirations of its 30 million inhabitants at stake.