DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen's Houthi rebels have unilaterally released 153 war detainees on Saturday, a significant move seen as part of broader efforts to ease hostilities amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. This release, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has been viewed as a step towards potentially reviving negotiations that could lead to an end to the decade-long war that has ravaged Yemen since the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The identities of the detainees have not been disclosed, but the ICRC confirmed they had received regular visits from their organization, ensuring humane treatment. Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen, expressed that this release brought “much-needed relief and joy to families who have been anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones,” highlighting hopes for future reunifications amidst challenging circumstances. The categorized releases included “humanitarian cases” such as the sick, wounded, and elderly individuals, mentioned Abdul Qader al-Murtada, the head of the Houthis’ Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Despite this positive development, the backdrop remains fraught with tension. Just before this release, the Houthis had detained seven Yemeni workers from the United Nations, which sparked widespread condemnation and calls for their immediate release from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized the detrimental impacts of targeting U.N. personnel on humanitarian aid efforts in Yemen.

The ICRC has played a pivotal role in mediating prisoner exchanges previously, including the release of around 1,000 prisoners in 2020 and over 800 in 2023. However, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 150,000 fatalities and has created what the United Nations considers one of the most dire humanitarian disasters in the world, with more than 18 million people requiring aid in Yemen.

The recent prisoner release occurs while the Houthis have also signaled a reduction in maritime attacks in the Red Sea, suggesting a cautious approach amid a fragile ceasefire established during the Israel-Hamas conflict. As AP News reported, this move aims to build trust and initiate a new phase of serious negotiations.

The conflict dynamics in Yemen illustrate a complex web of local and international influences, with humanitarian issues remaining a focal point for negotiations and future peace attempts.