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UN official welcomes U.S.-Houthi cessation understanding, urges release of detained staff
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Summary
A United Nations representative called the recent mutual understanding between the United States and Ansar Allah on a cessation of hostilities a positive step, urged the immediate release of detained UN and NGO personnel and warned that regional tensions linked to Gaza continue to complicate prospects for a lasting Yemeni peace.
A United Nations representative said Thursday that the recent mutual understanding between the United States and Ansar Allah on a cessation of hostilities is a “positive step” and urged parties to use it to advance a nationwide ceasefire and a Yemeni-led political process.
The UN representative, speaking at a press briefing, said the United Nations “remains ready and unwavering in our support for a negotiated exit from conflict and for a just and inclusive, sustainable peace.” The official welcomed the role of the Sultanate of Oman in facilitating the understanding and said the UN will “use this development and every possible opportunity to build momentum for broader peace efforts in support of resuming the intra Yemeni political process.”
Why it matters: The representative framed the U.S.-Ansar Allah understanding as a chance to reduce violence in the Red Sea and Bab el‑Mandeb Strait and to restart stalled intra‑Yemeni talks. The briefing stressed that a wider political settlement will require both de‑escalation at sea and progress on internal Yemeni commitments.
During questions, the UN representative said the situation in Yemen has been “rough and difficult these last months” and cautioned that a full de‑escalation has not yet occurred. “There are still concerning attacks, against Israel and and retaliatory strikes, and and that needs to be factored in as well in the in the broader schemes of things,” the official said, adding that the regional destabilization linked to Gaza has become entangled with the Yemeni conflict and must be addressed to move the peace process forward.
The representative also urged Ansar Allah to release detained personnel. “I will also take this opportunity to you to urge Ansar Allah, to act responsibly and release all detained UN and NGO civil society and diplomatic missions, personnel immediately and unconditionally,” the UN representative said. The briefing did not specify the number, nationalities or locations of detained staff.
Annie Bautolier of Agence France‑Presse asked how the UN planned to build on the agreement with Ansar Allah; the UN representative replied that the office will work from the current de‑escalation to press parties on commitments needed to reach a political process while acknowledging the work will require time and perseverance.
The briefing closed with the UN official reiterating thanks to Oman and warning that continued regional attacks mean progress remains fragile. No formal UN decision or new sanctions were announced at the briefing.
