Yemen's Fragile Truce: Can Peace Last?

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 14:50 GMT by Al Jazeera
      Locales: YEMEN, SAUDI ARABIA

Yemen's Precarious Peace: Can the Truce Hold Amidst Deep-Seated Grievances?

TALLAH AL-HERAN, Yemen - As Yemen enters the eighth month of a fragile truce - officially extended on October 2nd, 2025 - a cautious optimism mingles with deeply ingrained skepticism. The cessation of major hostilities between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels, initiated in April 2025, offers a rare respite in a nearly decade-long conflict that has decimated the nation and created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. But whether this glimmer of peace will solidify into a lasting resolution remains a critical question, fraught with complexities and historical precedent.

The current truce represents a significant reduction in violence. The relentless barrage of air raids and ground shelling that defined the earlier phases of the war have diminished, offering civilians a desperately needed breathing space. Before April 2025, Yemen was a landscape scarred by constant conflict, where daily life was punctuated by the sounds of war. Now, while insecurity persists, the intensity has demonstrably lessened, enabling some degree of normalcy to return to areas previously trapped in the crossfire.

However, the memories of past failed truces loom large. "We are still cautious, and it is too early to celebrate," Mohammed al-Mihdhar, a civil servant in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, told this reporter. "We've seen truces before that have collapsed." His sentiment echoes the widespread apprehension amongst Yemenis, who have repeatedly witnessed fleeting moments of calm dissolve into renewed conflict. These past failures were often attributed to consistent violations by both sides and, critically, a lack of commitment to genuine, comprehensive negotiations that addressed the root causes of the conflict. The erosion of trust between the warring factions remains a formidable obstacle.

The United Nations is currently mediating ongoing talks, aiming to address key issues which include the critical reopening of vital roads, the long-delayed payment of public sector salaries (a crippling issue for countless families), and the lifting of restrictions on commercial flights from Sanaa International Airport. The resumption of flights, in particular, is essential for facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and allowing Yemenis access to medical care and other essential services abroad. While progress has been made on some of these fronts, the core political disagreements continue to stall a more substantial breakthrough.

The primary obstacle lies in the fundamental divergence of demands. The Houthis insist on concrete guarantees regarding their future political participation and economic rights within a unified Yemen. They argue that their concerns have been systematically ignored by previous governments, fueling their rebellion. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, maintains that any lasting peace hinges on the disarmament of the Houthi rebels and the restoration of state authority over all Yemeni territory. This fundamental disagreement represents a significant hurdle that requires creative solutions and a willingness to compromise from both sides.

The conflict's origins are inextricably linked to regional power dynamics, widely perceived as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis, belonging to the Zaidi Shia Muslim minority, have received support from Tehran, while the Yemeni government enjoys the backing of Saudi Arabia and its allies. This external involvement has further complicated the conflict, turning Yemen into a battleground for regional influence. De-escalation requires not only internal Yemeni reconciliation but also a commitment from regional players to prioritize diplomacy over military intervention.

The humanitarian consequences of the war are staggering. Millions of Yemenis are facing starvation, and the healthcare system has all but collapsed. The UN estimates that over 80% of the population requires some form of humanitarian assistance. Marie Longo, Yemen country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasizes that "The truce has definitely made things better for civilians, but we still need to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most." The continued delivery of aid is paramount, but it is merely a temporary solution. A lasting peace is the only way to address the underlying causes of the humanitarian crisis and allow Yemenis to rebuild their lives.

A stable and unified Yemen would have significant positive implications for the broader region. It could help reduce tensions, curb the spread of extremism, and foster economic development. However, the path towards lasting peace is paved with challenges. The country is deeply divided along political, religious, and regional lines. The legacy of war - the physical destruction, the psychological trauma, and the deep-seated resentments - will take years, if not generations, to overcome. The success of the current truce, therefore, depends not just on extending the cessation of hostilities, but on forging a sustainable resolution that addresses the underlying grievances and lays the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Yemen.