UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the UN Security Council on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, of the risk of a full-scale return to war in Yemen, highlighting the potential humanitarian suffering and regional repercussions.

During his briefing to the Council, Grundberg expressed concern about the escalating situation, emphasizing that "all detained staff are individuals working daily for their country, for Yemen." He called on the Houthis, designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, to "immediately and unconditionally release them and refrain from arresting any additional staff of the UN, NGOs, and civil society."

Grundberg welcomed the recent agreement reached by the Yemeni parties, which he attributed to dialogue. He expressed hope for further cooperation to support their commitments regarding the banking sector and Yemenia Airlines.

He reiterated the goal of "a unified currency, a unified and independent central bank, and a banking sector free from political interference."

He stressed that the parties' commitment should be reflected in de-escalation and dialogue, as per their understanding reached the previous night and the broader understanding reached last December, leading to a willingness to negotiate directly.

Grundberg underscored the UN Secretary-General's recent call for maximum restraint regarding Yemen. He urged the Yemeni parties to engage with his office in good faith on a long-term approach to de-escalation, prioritizing the well-being of Yemenis.

Earlier on Tuesday, the office of the UN Special Envoy announced that the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthis had agreed on several measures to de-escalate tensions regarding the banking sector and Yemenia Airlines.

Grundberg's office stated that it had received written confirmation from both parties, outlining their agreement to "cancel recent decisions and measures against banks from both sides and refrain from any future similar decisions or measures."

The agreement also includes the resumption of Yemenia Airlines flights between Sana'a and Jordan, increasing the number of flights to three daily, and establishing daily flights to Cairo and India, or as needed.

The agreement further stipulates that meetings will be held to address administrative, technical, and financial challenges facing the airline, and that discussions will begin on all economic and humanitarian issues based on a roadmap. Both parties requested UN support in implementing the agreement.

Grundberg acknowledged the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia in reaching this agreement and affirmed the UN's readiness to work with both parties to implement the agreed-upon measures. He offered to facilitate communication with authorities in Jordan, Egypt, and India.

The UN envoy emphasized the need for both parties to cooperate to achieve an economy that serves all Yemenis and supports the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process.