The signing of the agreement to release prisoners in Yemen goes beyond a mere humanitarian gesture; it represents a strategic and political milestone, opening a pathway for broader progress on long-standing issues that have weighed heavily on Yemen for years, wrote Sondoss Al Asaad.
Al Asaad, a Lebanese freelance journalist, political analyt added that this step is widely regarded as both positive and significant, with the potential to alleviate the suffering of prisoners and their families across Yemen. It underscores the importance of building on this momentum to achieve further humanitarian progress.
Since the last UN-supervised exchange in April 2023, progress on Yemen’s humanitarian file had largely stalled.
Although airstrikes by the coalition largely ceased in 2022, logistical and economic blockades, the closure of airports—especially Sana’a International Airport—and the inability to secure prisoner releases had left the humanitarian situation stagnant.
The agreement, executed under Omani oversight and Saudi guarantees, also includes the recovery of bodies from all fronts and the inspection of prisons post-exchange to ensure no detainees remain unaccounted for.
Civilians, including fishermen and politically detained citizens, are encompassed in the deal, demonstrating a comprehensive humanitarian approach.
This milestone highlights the effectiveness of principled resistance, the importance of regional mediation, and the potential for incremental steps to pave the way for sustainable solutions in Yemen’s protracted conflict.
If reinforced with further steps—such as opening airports, easing blockades, and providing necessary compensations—this agreement could signal the start of a broader stabilization process.
While challenges remain, the deal represents a cautious yet meaningful signal that dialogue, persistence, and adherence to humanitarian principles can achieve tangible results even amidst prolonged conflict.