Iran Press/ Middle East: The announcement of the ceasefire date follows an agreement on Thursday to cease fighting and to withdraw forces from Hodeidah following a week-long peace negotiations in Stockholm, Sweden.
The ceasefire has been violated on many occasions since last Thursday.
Residents in Hodeidah and the surrounding areas have reported fierce airstrikes in recent days, as clashes continued between Saudi-backed militants and Yemeni troops. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia is still continuing with its airstrikes on the port of Hodeidah, Press TV reported.
Soon after the truce came into effect in Hodeidah, sporadic clashes have been reported in the port city.
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International medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) voiced alarm about 'the continuous fighting' in the devastated city. It said its teams were treating victims of gunshots, shelling, and airstrikes, urging the concerned parties 'to respect the presence of civilians in Hodeidah.'
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Also on Sunday, as many as 22 Houthi fighters were killed and a fire erupted in one of the factories in eastern Hodeidah due to Saudi airstrikes, although the two sides had agreed on a truce.
(Houthi forces staunchly defending the crucial Yemeni port city of Hodeidah)
Much depends on the ceasefire deal, brokered nearly four years into the Saudi-led war. The invasion has claimed thousands of lives in Yemen and pushed the country close to the brink of outright famine.
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United Nation chief Antonio Guterres warned on Sunday that 'much worse' could happen to the impoverished country in 2019 unless a comprehensive “peace deal” came about and the humanitarian crisis was tackled.
The two sides have agreed to meet again in late January for more talks to define the framework for negotiations on the 'peace settlement.'
Diplomats said Guterres may propose a surveillance mechanism comprising 30 to 40 observers.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched their offensive against Hodeidah in June but they have faced a strong resistance put up by Yemeni armed forces – led by the Houthis -- as well as the city’s residents. 103/ 211 / 207
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