Houthi militants announced on Sunday that they would stop their "drone and missile strikes" against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and their allies in Yemen.

The rebels said they were ready for a broader armistice if "the Saudi coalition wants peace" in a statement signed by Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee.

The warring parties had previously given "firm assurances" to UN envoy Martin Griffiths that they would meet for peace talks in Sweden. While the date has not been set, Griffiths said it would be "soon" and that he plans to travel to rebel-held Sanaa later this week to discuss arrangements.

Al-Houthi also called on fellow rebels to stop launching attacks against the Saudi alliance to show goodwill and deprive the alliance of any justification for further attacks against Houthi forces.

Read more: Saudi airstrike kills dozens of children in Yemen school bus

Thousands dead or in danger

The three-and-a-half-year-war has pitted forces loyal to Yemini President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, backed by the Saudi-led alliance, against Houthi rebels backed by Iran.

The Saudi-led coalition has intensified bombing in the key strategic area of Hodeida despite a recent ceasefire attempt. A blockade of the port city could trigger an unprecedented famine.

A UN attempt to organize peace talks between the Yemini government and Houthi rebels broke down in September.

The official death toll in Yemen stands at over 10,000, but many activists believe the actual number could be far greater.

amp, dj/aw (Reuters, dpa)

Each evening at 1830 UTC, DW's editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. You can sign up to receive it directly here.