The UN special envoy for Yemen has announced that rival groups in the nine-year war have committed to a ceasefire and are engaging in a peace process led by the United Nations. The announcement follows a series of meetings between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and Iran-aligned Houthis in Saudi Arabia and Oman, where the parties committed to measures to implement a nationwide ceasefire and improve living conditions in Yemen. The plan also includes commitments to resume oil exports, pay public sector salaries, open roads, and ease restrictions on Sanaa Airport and the Hodeidah port. Despite the conflict that has gripped Yemen since the Houthis took control of Sanaa in 2014, a UN-brokered ceasefire saw a reduction in hostilities, and peace initiatives have gained momentum following discussions between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. The announcement comes amid a flurry of Houthi attacks on key shipping lanes in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians under attack in the Gaza Strip.