The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed an offer from the country’s Houthi rebels to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict.

Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said “Implementation of the initiative by the Huthis in good faith could send a powerful message of the will to end the war”.

The Iran-backed Houthis, which control the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition which supports the country’s internationally recognized government in a devastating five-year war.

Griffiths hailed “the desire for a political solution to end the conflict” in a statement issued from the UN headquarters in New York. On Friday, the Houthis proposed halting attacks on Saudi Arabia as part of a peace initiative.