CAIRO, Oct. 19 -- Al-Azhar, which The National calls the world's top Sunni Islam institution, asked Arab and Muslim governments on Sunday to form an "urgent" mediation committee as hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensify.

Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb urged leaders "to uphold the spirit of brotherhood and the bonds of religion, blood and language" and to bring about "an immediate and comprehensive halt to all acts of war, fighting, destruction and sabotage," according to The National. The committee would draw on figures from across Arab and Islamic countries, and Al-Azhar said it would support it in every way it can.

The Saudi-led coalition said it shot down two ballistic missiles fired at Khamis Mushait and three drones ...