Sanaa, May 11 (RHC)-- A five-day ceasefire is set begin in Yemen on Tuesday after Houthi rebels accepted a proposal from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government offered the truce last week amid mounting criticism that its military campaign and blockade of Yemen has caused massive civilian suffering.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the pause could be renewed if it lasts. The Houthis say they hope the pause will lead to political talks under the guidance of the United Nations.

The Saudi-led coalition has escalated air strikes before the truce takes effect, bombing the compound of the Houthi-allied former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in the capital Sana. The attack came just after the Saudi government declared the province of Saada a military zone and ordered all its residents to flee.

In a statement, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator warned the threat to Saada could be "a contravention of international humanitarian law" that has "put countless civilians at risk."