Yemenis rally in Sanaa to back Huthi rebels amid Gaza ceasefire

Yemen's Huthi rebels vow continued resistance against Israel despite a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Demonstrators raise assault rifles and shout slogans during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and to denounce Israel in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on January 17, 2025. Photo by Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images

By Rachel Sumi and Amanda Zahra

Thousands of Yemenis gathered in Sanaa on Friday to express solidarity with the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and their stance on the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine. Despite an imminent Gaza ceasefire agreement, the Huthi leadership reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on Israel.

For 15 months, Yemenis have regularly assembled in the rebel-held capital every Friday, demonstrating their support for the Palestinians. This week, with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas awaiting final approval from the Israeli cabinet, the rallies continued.

The deal, brokered to pause hostilities in Gaza, includes an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

"We're here to celebrate the victory of the Palestinians and the effectiveness of our missiles and drones, which forced Israel to halt its aggression in Gaza," said demonstrator Zeid al-Astout.

Another attendee, Khaled al-Matri, echoed the sentiment, expressing support for the ceasefire deal but warning, "We will not give in until the disappearance of the Zionist state, God willing." His remarks were followed by chants of "Death to America, death to Israel!"

Since the conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, the Huthis have launched numerous missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and key shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The group claims these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians.

A demonstrator holds a rifle during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and to denounce Israel, in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on January 17, 2025. Photo by Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images

In a televised address on Thursday, Abdulmalik al-Huthi, leader of the Huthi movement, pledged to monitor Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire. "If there are any Israeli breaches, massacres, or attacks, we will be ready to provide military support to the Palestinian people," he said.

Mohammed Albasha, founder of the US-based consultancy Basha Report, described the speech as "full of defiance." Albasha noted that the Huthis appear prepared to mobilize up to one million fighters and expand their operations if challenged.

The Huthis are part of the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance," a coalition that includes Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Unlike Hezbollah, which suffered heavy losses before a November ceasefire with Israel, the Huthis have emerged as an increasingly significant ally for Iran, according to Thomas Juneau of the University of Ottawa.

Juneau described the Huthis as "an indispensable member of the Axis of Resistance" and noted their growing importance to Iran's regional strategy.

Divided opinions within Yemen

While the Huthis enjoy significant support for their stance on Palestine, not all Yemenis are aligned with their broader agenda.

Assem Mohammed, a 36-year-old from the Huthi-controlled port city of Hodeida, voiced skepticism. "The Huthis have never done anything positive. Their support for Gaza is the only thing enabling them to polish up their image," he said.

Hanaa Abdel Rahman, a teacher from the same city, acknowledged the emotional appeal of the Huthis' pro-Palestinian rhetoric but feared the potential for further conflict in Yemen.

"I expect they will continue to threaten or retaliate," she said, adding that prolonged tensions could exacerbate Yemen’s decade-long civil war.

Yemenis wave flags during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and to denounce Israel in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on January 17, 2025. Photo by Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images

Thomas Juneau believes that while the Huthis may scale back attacks temporarily, their long-term strategy likely involves resuming pressure on Israel, the United States, or Saudi Arabia through threats or actions in the Red Sea.

As Yemen continues to grapple with its internal struggles, the Huthis’ involvement in regional conflicts underscores their broader ambitions and the complexities of the Middle East's shifting alliances.