Yemenis Rally for Palestinians as Houthis Threaten to Expand Attacks on Israel-Bound Ships

Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered in Sanaa on Friday to demonstrate their solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as Yemen's Houthi rebels threatened to expand their campaign targeting ships traveling to Israel. The demonstration comes amid the ongoing latest Israeli-Hamas war, which has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza.

Why this matters: The escalation of tensions between the Houthis and Israel has significant implications for regional stability and global trade, as it may disrupt shipping lanes and impact the flow of goods. Furthermore, the conflict's humanitarian consequences, including the displacement of millions of people, underscore the need for a swift and sustainable resolution.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, announced the fourth phase of their campaign, stating that"all ships that breached the decision that bans Israeli navigation and heading to ports of occupied Palestine in the Mediterranean sea in any area we can reach"within, rangewould be targeted. The Houthis' decision is in response to Israel's assault on Gaza, which has killed at least 34,622 Palestinians and displaced 1.7 million people since October 7, 2023.

The Houthis have been inserting themselves into the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas by targeting ships traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. As a result, many container ships have been avoiding this route since the attacks began in November 2023. The rebels have sunk one ship and killed three crew members on onevessel across dozens of attacks.

The potential Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, has sparked international outcry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to send ground troops into the city, which is already being bombarded daily. A Hamas delegation is set to visit Egypt for further indirect ceasefire talks, but significant sticking points remain, including Hamas' demand for a permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unhindered return of displaced families to their homes.

The war has driven around 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes, caused vast destruction, and pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine. The United Nations estimates it would take until 2040 to rebuild all destroyed homes. Israel says militants still hold around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pressed for a cease-fire deal, which would free hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a halt to the fighting and the delivery of much-needed aid into Gaza.

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 34,500 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have continued globally, with activists blocking a highway in Tel Aviv, Israel, demanding the release of hostages from Hamas captivity. Israel has reopened a border crossing with the hard-hit northern Gaza Strip for the first time since it was damaged at the start of the war, allowing much-needed humanitarian aid to enter the besieged enclave.

Key Takeaways

• Tens of thousands of Yemenis demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
• Houthis threaten to expand campaign targeting ships traveling to Israel.
• Conflict has killed 34,622 Palestinians, displaced 1.7 million since October 7, 2023.
• Houthis' campaign may disrupt shipping lanes, impact global trade.
• International community presses for cease-fire deal, humanitarian aid delivery.