The Red Cross has called for a 24-hour ceasefire in Yemen to bring in desperately needed medical supplies after fierce fighting.

It says medical teams and rescuers must access Aden, a stronghold of those loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, or more civilians will die.

Fighting in the southern port city has intensified with Saudi-led airstrikes aiming to push back Shia Houthi rebels.

Russia, too, has called at the United Nations for a truce.

It presented a draft resolution to an emergency session of the Security Council in New York, calling for a “humanitarian pause” in air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition to allow the evacuation of foreigners.

The draft, however, makes no mention of a halt to fighting by the Houthis.

It also demands “rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches people in need”.

Jordan’s ambassador to the UN and current Council chairman Dina Kawar said members would need time to consider the draft.