The Federal Government welcomes the announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire and urgently expects all sides to respect this agreement. We have, unfortunately, observed a further deterioration of the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen in recent weeks. It is absolutely essential that aid workers are given access to provide humanitarian assistance – especially in the most badly affected areas such as Aden and Saada.

The ceasefire announced by the coalition represents an opportunity to bring aid to countless people. All sides now have a responsibility to cooperate fully with the United Nations in order to help the population receive the supplies they need.

The past weeks have shown most dramatically that this conflict will not be solved militarily. We hope that all those involved will support UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s efforts to move towards a political solution.