Despite the announcement of a 48-hour ceasefire in Yemen, the fighting only fully ceased in parts of the country yesterday. The fact that the number of gunfights appears to have gone down today gives us some cause for hope, however.

In the interests of Yemen and its long-suffering population, none of the sides should squander this narrow window of opportunity, which is also thanks to John Kerry’s most recent mediation efforts.

All parties are called on to adhere to the ceasefire. Only when hostilities cease will it be possible to ensure humanitarian access and provide the suffering population with the aid supplies that are so urgently needed.

Then it will also be possible to make progress in the political process once more. All those involved should work to ensure that the parties return to the negotiating table for talks on a peaceful solution mediated by the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen.