Yemen’s warring factions have agreed to a United Nations-brokered temporary ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to some 21 million
ADVERTISEMENTYemen’s warring factions have agreed to a United Nations-brokered temporary ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to some 21 million people in need, the UN has confirmed.
The truce is set to begin on Friday night (July 10) at 11.59pm local time.
It is hoped the pause in fighting between Houthi-rebels and pro-government fighters will last through to the end of Ramadan – the Muslim holy month, which is due to draw to a close almost a week after the ceasefire begins.
An alliance of Arab states has formed a near blockade in Yemen, aimed at preventing weapons deliveries to the Shi’ite rebels. However, relief agencies claim this, combined with ongoing daily battles have created a humanitarian disaster in the country.
More than 80 percent of its population is believed to now need some form of emergency aid after three months of heavy fighting.