Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, has warned against the consequences of the Houthi escalation in the Yemeni city of Marib.
He also said that the group is responsible for displacing tens of thousands of civilians, and putting the lives of hundreds of thousands more living in refugee camps, at grave risk.
In a statement on Wednesday, Aboul Gheit said that the Iranian-backed Houthis have benefited from certain changes in the international arena, and that it seeks political gains through military escalation targeting populated areas.
He stressed that this dangerous escalation makes the resumption of the political process more difficult and more elusive.
Aboul Gheit added that a political solution requires an immediate cessation of military operations. He called on the group to commit itself to a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including stopping the attacks it is still carrying out against targets in Saudi territory.
He reaffirmed that forces that form part of the Saudi-led coalition have demonstrated the necessary commitment and responsibility towards the de-escalation.
He added that the time has come to hold the Houthis fully responsible for the deterioration in the conditions of Yemenis, and prolonging the suffering of millions as a result of the continuing conflict.
Aboul Gheit added that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a source of great concern for the Arab League. He is scheduled to participate in a conference called by the United Nations (UN) and co-chaired by Sweden and Switzerland, early next month.
The conference will mobilise about $4bn required from international donors to confront the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which affected about 24 million of its people.
