Saudi Arabia offers $1bn ceasefire deal with Yemen's Houthi rebels

Saudi Arabia has proposed offering $1 billion to Yemen's Houthi rebels in exchange for a ceasefire and the resumption of oil exports, according to Israeli media reports. The offer represents Riyadh's efforts to stabilize regional tensions and protect its critical energy infrastructure from attacks by the Iran-backed militant group.

Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir is reportedly engaged in diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major regional powers with competing strategic interests. The involvement of Pakistan's military leadership underscores the broader geopolitical dimensions of the conflict and the international effort to broker peace.

The Houthis have conducted multiple attacks on Saudi oil facilities and shipping vessels in the Red Sea region over recent years, disrupting global energy markets and prompting international concern. The proposed financial incentive reflects Saudi Arabia's willingness to pursue negotiated settlement as an alternative to military confrontation.

The ceasefire proposal, if accepted, could represent a significant diplomatic shift in the Yemen conflict, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. The resumption of Saudi oil exports would have implications for global energy markets and regional stability in the Middle East.