- Yemen’s Ansarallah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared on Jan. 16 that his group will maintain military support for Palestine if Israel continues attacks on Gaza civilians before a ceasefire scheduled for Jan. 21.
- The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, is seen as a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict but is met with skepticism due to ongoing regional tensions and the Houthis’ resilience.
- Al-Houthi emphasized the group’s alignment with the Palestinian resistance and their position within the Iran-aligned «Axis of Resistance,» highlighting their continued defiance and support for regional allies.
- The U.S., U.K. and Israel’s coordinated strike on Jan. 10 against Houthi targets in Yemen, coupled with the European Union’s Red Sea mission, underscores the international attention and concern over Houthi activities.
- Al-Houthi’s warnings indicate that the ceasefire faces significant challenges and that any further aggression could lead to renewed military operations, reflecting the complex and fragile nature of the agreement.
Yemen’s Ansarallah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared on Jan. 16 that his group will continue military operations in support of Palestine if Israel persists in attacking Gaza civilians ahead of a ceasefire set to begin on Sunday.
The announcement came during a televised address, where al-Houthi emphasized that Yemen’s stance aligns with the Palestinian resistance and warned of further action if Israel escalates violence. The statement underscores the Houthis’ role as a key player in the Iran-aligned «Axis of Resistance,» a network of regional militias opposing Israel and Western influence.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, marks a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict. However, al-Houthi’s remarks highlight the fragility of the deal and the broader regional tensions that continue to simmer. «If the Israeli forces continue committing massacres in the three days leading up to the agreement’s implementation, we will persist with our military operations in support of the Palestinian people,» al-Houthi said.
On Jan. 10, the U.S., U.K. and Israel launched a coordinated strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, including areas near Sanaa where a large civilian demonstration was underway. The strike was part of a broader multinational effort to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea, which began in December 2023. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued their operations, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and killing at least four seafarers. (Related: U.S. THAAD defense system makes first missile interception against Houthi attack in Israel.)
Al-Houthi framed the ceasefire agreement as a victory for Palestinian resistance, stating that Israel and the U.S. were «forced» to negotiate after failing to achieve their objectives in Gaza.
«The enemy failed in Gaza despite having enormous capabilities and a high level of intelligence activity to end the resistance and eliminate all the mujahideen,» he said.
Ceasefire faces skepticism
The ceasefire, expected to take effect on Sunday, has been met with skepticism by shipping industry experts and regional analysts. Laura-May Scott, a partner at law firm Reed Smith, cautioned that «given the ongoing uncertainty and fragility of the situation, shippers should continue to exercise caution and closely monitor developments in the region.»
The Houthis’ actions have drawn significant international attention, with the European Union launching its own Red Sea mission in February to deter attacks and protect trade routes. However, the group’s resilience and continued operations suggest that a lasting resolution remains elusive.
Al-Houthi’s speech also highlighted the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. The Houthis are part of Iran’s «Axis of Resistance,» which includes Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Shiite militias in Iraq. While Israel has dealt significant blows to Hamas and Hezbollah in recent years, the Houthis have emerged as a persistent challenge, leveraging their strategic position in Yemen to project influence across the region.
The ceasefire agreement represents a potential de-escalation in the Gaza conflict, but al-Houthi’s warnings underscore the precarious nature of the deal.
«At any stage in which the aggression retreats from the agreement, we will be ready to provide military support to our Palestinian brothers,» he said. This stance reflects the Houthis’ commitment to their allies and their willingness to continue operations if the ceasefire falters.
The situation also highlights the complex interplay between regional and global powers. The U.S. and its allies have sought to curb Houthi influence through military strikes and diplomatic efforts, but the group’s ability to adapt and persist suggests that a comprehensive solution will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the broader Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
The Houthis’ defiance and their role in the Axis of Resistance underscore the challenges facing international efforts to stabilize the region. Whether through diplomacy or continued conflict, the path forward will require navigating a complex web of alliances, grievances, and geopolitical rivalries.
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Watch the video below that talks about Houthis taking the conflict with Israel to a new level.
This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.
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