Warring parties in Yemen have reached an agreement to exchange and release approximately 2,900 prisoners and detainees, in what is described as the largest such operation since the conflict began.

The deal was brokered through UN mediation as part of efforts to build confidence between the opposing sides.

Humanitarian organizations welcomed the development, calling it a glimmer of hope for easing the suffering of thousands of families, while urging that the limited progress be leveraged toward a comprehensive political settlement.