The United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced a pause in the offensive it is backing against Houthi rebels in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.

:: The United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced a pause in the offensive it is backing against Houthi rebels in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, to give a chance to UN peace efforts.

“We welcome continuing efforts by UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, to achieve an unconditional Houthi withdrawal from Hodeidah city and port,” UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.

“We have paused our campaign to allow enough time for this option to be fully explored. We hope he will succeed.”

Gargash added on Twitter that the Arab Coalition’s success in regaining control of Hodeidah Airport and forcing the Houthi militias to “make concessions” serves as a “sufficient basis” for Houthi withdrawal.

According to Gargash, the international community has “not pressed the Houthis hard enough” for violating numerous international human laws, planting lands and sea mines, placing snipers and weapons in civilian areas, obstructing delivery of humanitarian aid, and forcibly drafting civilians.

However, continued military pressure is expected to liberate Hodeidah and force the Houthis to engage in serious negotiations, said Gargash.