On Friday, tens of thousands of Yemenis took to the streets in a massive demonstration across various cities, particularly in Sanaa, to express their unwavering support for Al-Aqsa Mosque and the people of Gaza. This event, dubbed a 'million-man demonstration', was organized in response to the recent Israeli raids targeting the Yemeni city of Hodeidah. Demonstrators gathered in Al-Sabeen Square, rallying under the banner of the Houthi group, which has vowed to retaliate against Israeli actions.
Despite heavy rains in Sanaa, the turnout was significant, with Al-Masirah TV reporting that around two million people participated, chanting slogans against the Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza. The demonstrators also voiced their discontent with certain Arab nations for their perceived inaction in supporting Palestinian rights, emphasizing that a Yemeni response to Israeli aggression is imminent.
The protests were not limited to Sanaa; similar gatherings occurred in other Yemeni governorates, including Saada, Hajjah, and Al-Hudaydah. In Taiz, demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers, calling for international intervention to halt the violence and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. This outpouring of support highlights the deep-rooted solidarity among Yemenis with the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of recent events that have intensified the conflict.
- The backdrop to these demonstrations includes a surge of violence in the region, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has drawn international attention and condemnation. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have positioned themselves as defenders of Palestine, leveraging these sentiments to rally support domestically.
- Furthermore, the demonstrations serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, where local conflicts often intersect with broader regional tensions. The Yemeni protests reflect a growing frustration with the status quo and a demand for greater action to support the Palestinian people.
