Egypt calls for diplomatic path to end Saudi-Houthi conflict
Egyptian official Abdelatty urged a political settlement to stop the escalating Saudi-Houthi war, stressing the need for a full withdrawal from occupied areas.
During a news conference, Egyptian representative Abdelatty reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia and called for a comprehensive political approach to end the hostilities with the Iran-backed Houthis. He noted that recent Houthi actions, such as the deadliest airport attack in years and the capture of Yemeni government lands along the Red Sea coast, have intensified the conflict. The Houthis also declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, targeting its vessels and oil infrastructure.
In retaliation, the Saudi air force has launched repeated strikes on Houthi-held areas, exacerbating humanitarian suffering in Yemen, where more than 250,000 individuals are internally displaced. Abdelatty urged that any settlement must guarantee a complete pull-out from territories recently occupied by the Houthis.
Why it matters
A diplomatic resolution could halt a widening regional war and reduce civilian displacement in Yemen.
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Yemeni government troops capture key positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Oct 15 Saudi‑led coalition launched air strikes on Houthi positions in Sanaa, breaking the 2022 ceasefire
- Oct 16 Missiles hit Aden airport and a ballistic missile targeting Yanbu was intercepted.
- Oct 17 President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt stands ready to defend Saudi Arabia if requested and called for an emergency parliamentary session to authorize such action.
- Oct 18 Airlines have extended their flight suspensions to October 17.
- Oct 18 Egyptian parliament scheduled an emergency plenary meeting to consider a defence mandate for Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 19 The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans of ongoing missile and drone attacks on major airports and imposed travel restrictions on U.S. government staff.
- Oct 19 At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 injured when Houthi forces fired three ballistic missiles at the al-Aiam military camp in Shabwa during a training drill.
- Oct 19 The Houthis publicly claimed the missiles hit Saudi officers.
- Oct 20 Parliament announced a plenary meeting to discuss the request, with a vote expected this week.
- Oct 20 Britain’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced that RAF Typhoons will conduct defensive counter-air missions over Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. The operation is purely protective and will not involve offensive strikes on Houthi positions. The deployment follows a series of deadly Houthi missile hits on Saudi airports and oil facilities, which have also disrupted Red Sea shipping. An A400 transport plane is also slated to deliver supplies as part of the plan approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Oct 20 Britain announced it will defend Saudi Arabia while explicitly ruling out offensive strikes.
- Oct 21 US removed non‑essential embassy personnel from Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 22 Relatives of diplomatic staff in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave.
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