In what is being described as the most significant humanitarian breakthrough since the outbreak of the Yemeni war, the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi group signed a new prisoner exchange agreement on Thursday in the Jordanian capital, Amman, covering 1,728 detainees and abductees from both sides under the supervision of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Yahya Kazman, deputy head of the government negotiating delegation, described the agreement as a “critical humanitarian milestone” reflecting the political leadership’s commitment to ending the suffering of detainees and abductees. He explained that the deal includes officers and personnel from the armed forces and security services, prisoners from the Arab Coalition forces, as well as politicians and journalists who spent years inside Houthi prisons.

Meanwhile, Houthi delegation chief Abdulqader Al-Murtada announced the completion of the final signing of the exchange lists. According to the agreement, 1,100 prisoners from the Houthi side will be exchanged for 580 detainees from the other side, in addition to 7 Saudi prisoners and 20 Sudanese detainees. Preparations are now underway to complete the logistical and operational arrangements before the exchange process begins on the ground.

Special Committee to Follow Up on Mohammed Qahtan’s Fate

The agreement also achieved a significant breakthrough regarding the fate of prominent Yemeni politician Mohammed Qahtan. A joint committee comprising representatives from both parties and Qahtan’s family will travel to Sana’a to verify his condition and take the necessary measures prior to the implementation of the exchange deal, in the presence of a neutral mediator from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Broad International and UN Welcome

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg described the agreement as “a moment of great relief,” stressing that the outcome demonstrates the value of serious negotiations. He also praised Jordan’s role in hosting the dialogue rounds between the conflicting parties.

The deal is considered the largest prisoner exchange agreement since the April 2023 swap, exceeding it by more than double in terms of the number of detainees involved. Observers believe the agreement could pave the way for broader confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tensions and advancing the peace process in Yemen.