Saudi Arabia has proposed a five-day ceasefire in Yemen to allow for the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid. The Saudi kingdom says it will only comply if Houthi rebels also accept the pause. The Saudi-led bombing campaign has helped worsen a humanitarian crisis that has left large parts of the country in dire need. Speaking during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the proposal.

Secretary of State John Kerry: “Today, we particularly welcome a new Saudi initiative to try to bring about a peaceful resolution through the announcement of their intent to establish a full five-day renewable ceasefire and humanitarian pause — no bombing, no shooting, no movement or repositioning of troops to achieve military advantage.”

Houthi sources say they expect their side to accept the ceasefire. A new report from Human Rights Watch meanwhile says the Houthis may have committed war crimes in the deaths of two women and the kidnapping of aid workers in the besieged city of Aden.