Houthis rally in Sanaa for Gaza support
Thousands protest Israeli strikes as leaders vow revenge
Thousands of protesters, primarily Houthi supporters, gathered in Sabeen Square in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The rally featured chants and slogans against Israel, with participants waving Palestinian flags and weapons, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
The protests were sparked by recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi-held areas, which, according to Houthi media, destroyed military infrastructure, propaganda centers, fuel depots, and government facilities. Demonstrators filled the streets, displaying large portraits of slain Houthi leaders, including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, who was killed in a recent airstrike. Many chanted slogans against Israel and the United States, denouncing what they termed aggression and foreign interference. Houthi officials delivered militant speeches, calling for continued escalation and pledging revenge.
The recent strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with Houthi-run health authorities reporting at least 46 deaths and 165 injuries, including civilians, women, and children. The airstrikes also damaged residential neighborhoods, a media operations headquarters, and other critical infrastructure.
Mohammed Ahmed Miftah, the caretaker prime minister of the Houthi-led government, addressed the crowd, vowing to continue fighting Israel “no matter the sacrifices.” He referred to the deaths of senior officials as “martyrdom” and urged ongoing operations in retaliation for the airstrikes. Protesters demanded more support from local authorities for those affected, including displaced homeowners and families of the deceased, expressing frustration over the lack of protection and calling for stronger air defense measures.
This demonstration highlights the ongoing impact of the Gaza conflict in Yemen, as the Houthis align themselves with Palestinian causes and have conducted drone and missile strikes against Israel in response to Israeli retaliatory actions on Yemeni territory.
