Saudi considering 5-day 'humanitarian pause' in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering a five-day ceasefire in Yemen, but has demanded that Houthi militiamen lay down their arms first.

Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters at a joint news conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Riyadh that it would take part in a “humanitarian pause” and promised $274 million to the Yemenis, who are currently suffering from severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies.

The Saudis stipulated that the pause wouldn't happen for a number of days to allow time for the Houthis to agree to the terms of the deal, warning that the ceasefire must mean “no bombing, no shooting” and no repositioning of forces.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced that all options were on the table for Yemen, including the possibility of a ground invasion.

Al-Jubeir cited repeated Houthi mortar attacks on territory within Saudi Arabia.

"It is possible to repeat the same number of sorties, a land operation is possible, all options are open to prevent these practices of the militias," military spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri told TV channel al-Arabiya.

Tensions have been raised since Houthi mortar fire and rockets began hitting the southeastern Saudi border town of Najran last week, leading to the deaths of five people on Wednesday and the closure of schools and airlines.

The Saudi-led coalition also said Thursday that the Houthis had crossed a "red line" and would pay a high price for bombardments on Saudi Arabia.

"The equation is different, the confrontation is different, and they will pay a harsh and expensive price," AFP quoted coalition spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri as saying.

"The safety of Saudi Arabia is a top priority for the coalition and the Saudi armed forces. It is a red line they crossed."

Kerry denies ground invasion talks

However, Kerry denied that the US and Saudi Arabia had been in discussion about the possibility of sending ground troops into the country.

Kerry met with Yemen's exiled President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi on Thursday, with journalists reporting an exchange of pleasantries.

"Good to see you here in Riyadh,” said Hadi. “Hopefully we will see you in Sanaa soon."

"There's some work to do,” replied Kerry.

With the humanitarian situation in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden quickly deteriorating, the country’s ambassador to the UN has called for international ground troops to be sent in.

At least 120 people were reported killed in Aden on Wednesday, including around 40 civilians who died when they were shelled as they tried to escape the besieged city by boat.

According to the UN at least 646 civilians, including 131 children, were killed between 26 March, when coalition airstrikes began, and 5 May – the deaths were caused by both airstrikes and Houthi assaults.