Tens of Thousands Rally in Yemen Against Israeli Aggression
On November 22, 2024, tens of thousands of Yemenis took to the streets across 14 governorates, including a significant demonstration in the capital, Sana'a, to protest the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. The rally, organized under the slogan "With Gaza and Lebanon...the blood of martyrs until victory," was called by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Ansar Allah group (Houthis). Demonstrators gathered in Al-Sabeen Square, waving Palestinian, Yemeni, and Lebanese flags, while chanting slogans denouncing the Israeli military actions and criticizing U.S. involvement.
The protests in Yemen reflect a broader sentiment in the region, as similar demonstrations occurred in Jordan's capital, Amman, where protesters rallied under the slogan "Annexing the West Bank is a declaration of war on Jordan." The Yemeni protests were characterized by a strong display of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Context of the Protests: The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Lebanon
The demonstrations come amid a protracted conflict that has seen Israel conducting military operations in Gaza for over 14 months, resulting in more than 148,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children. The situation has been exacerbated by Israel's recent military actions in Lebanon, which have led to 3,583 deaths and over 15,000 injuries, alongside a significant displacement crisis affecting approximately 1.4 million people.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with widespread destruction and famine reported in affected areas. The protests in Yemen and Jordan signify a growing regional unrest and solidarity with the Palestinian people, as calls for justice and an end to the violence resonate across the Middle East.