Several Gulf states have welcomed a recent agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to de-escalate tensions regarding the banking sector and Yemenia Airlines. The agreement, announced on Tuesday, July 23, by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has been hailed as a positive step towards a political solution to the ongoing conflict.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed its support for the agreement, calling it a "positive step towards a political solution in Yemen, fulfilling the aspirations of its brotherly people for security, prosperity, and stability." The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the UN's efforts to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Yemeni crisis, emphasizing its commitment to regional and international efforts to stabilize the country.

Bahrain also welcomed the agreement, expressing its appreciation for the UN's efforts and its support for regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the region. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the agreement would represent a significant step towards all Yemeni parties committing to de-escalation and prioritizing dialogue within the framework of the UN roadmap to achieve a comprehensive and lasting political solution.

Jordan joined the chorus of approval, stating that the agreement would lead to a de-escalation of the months-long crisis surrounding the banking sector and the resumption of Yemenia Airlines operations. Jordanian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ambassador Sfyan Al-Qudha, affirmed Jordan's support for efforts to achieve security and peace in Yemen and end the conflict. He praised the UN Special Envoy's efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Yemen's unity, stability, and territorial integrity while alleviating the suffering of its people.

Oman also expressed its support for the agreement, reiterating its commitment to supporting all UN efforts aimed at achieving a permanent and comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

Qatar, while welcoming the agreement, reiterated its commitment to resolving the Yemeni crisis based on the Gulf Initiative and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its hope that this step would contribute to strengthening regional and international efforts to achieve sustainable peace, fulfilling the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability, and development.

The agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels includes a commitment to lift recent sanctions imposed on banks by both sides, a resumption of Yemenia Airlines flights between Sana'a and Amman with an increase to three flights daily, and the establishment of daily flights to Cairo and India. The agreement also includes provisions for addressing administrative, technical, and financial challenges faced by Yemenia Airlines and for holding meetings to discuss all economic and humanitarian issues based on the UN roadmap.

The UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, acknowledged the significant role played by Saudi Arabia in reaching this agreement. He emphasized the UN's readiness to work with both parties to implement the agreed-upon measures and offered his office's support in facilitating communication with authorities in Jordan, Egypt, and India.

Grundberg stressed the need for both parties to cooperate in order to achieve an economy that serves all Yemenis and supports the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process.

The agreement comes after a period of heightened tensions in Yemen, marked by attacks by the Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The UN had previously announced in December 2023 that the Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a set of measures, including a nationwide ceasefire, measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, and preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under the auspices of the UN.