By Ali Dhafir
Yemeni leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has issued a deadline for Israel to comply with ceasefire terms, as Yemen emerges as a pivotal player in supporting Gaza and reshaping regional dynamics, writes Ali Dhafir in Al-Mayadeen Arabic website.
In an exceptional stance, uncharacteristic of traditional Arab political leadership in recent decades, Yemeni leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced a specific deadline to allow mediators to push the Israeli enemy to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, particularly those related to humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. He warned of resuming naval operations against Israel, framing it as a blockade against a blockade.
As the countdown to the four-day deadline, announced last Saturday, began, Yemen’s Supreme Political Council (the highest executive authority in Yemen) confirmed “full readiness of the armed forces and all relevant agencies to carry out the directives of the revolution’s leader if the deadline for aid entry into Gaza expires.” This alignment between leadership, the military, and other agencies was preceded by widespread popular support, exemplified by spontaneous public rallies in Sanaa under the banners of Jerusalem and Palestine, as well as endorsements from various political parties and active forces in the country, signaling Yemen’s unified stance in support of Gaza and Palestine.
The significance of Yemen’s courageous and decisive position lies in its timing: it comes days after Israel closed land crossings, attempting to reimpose a policy of starvation on Gaza’s population while escalating tensions in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Hebron against Islamic holy sites. It also follows nearly six weeks of Israeli delays in fulfilling its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. The Yemeni deadline was announced amid threats by (US President Donald) Trump to bring “hell” to Gaza and the reclassification of Ansarallah (the Houthi movement) as a foreign terrorist organization—a punitive measure for its supportive stance during the Al-Aqsa Flood operation. Yemen’s response defied the expectations of American and Israeli vessels.
The Yemeni decision, widely welcomed and praised by Palestinians and Palestinian resistance factions, reflects the pulse of the free Arab and Islamic street. It has shifted the balance following the Arab Summit, which produced weak outcomes limited to appeals, demands, and the usual non-pressuring Arab rhetoric toward Israel.
On the political and humanitarian levels, Yemen’s stance has bolstered the Palestinian negotiating position, especially as the announcement coincided with a Hamas delegation’s visit to Cairo at Egypt’s invitation to revive the stagnant ceasefire agreement and push for its second phase or, at the very least, the opening of crossings to allow the agreed-upon quantity and type of humanitarian aid.
In this context, Hamas announced that its negotiators emphasized to the head of Egyptian intelligence the need for “immediate negotiations on the second phase and the opening of crossings,” expressing their agreement to “form a community support committee of independent figures to manage the Gaza Strip.” Reuters also reported “positive indicators regarding the possibility of starting negotiations on the second phase” after both Hamas and Israel expressed readiness for the next phase of talks.
Despite this, Yemen remains vigilant about the course of negotiations and their outcomes, awaiting actions rather than words. The deadline remains in effect, coordinated with Palestinian resistance factions, as the past six weeks have been discouraging given the behavior of the US-backed Israeli government. Its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and their religious war on holy sites do not suggest seriousness about achieving the so-called peace.
Yemen has long been an active part of the axis of resistance against aggression in the region. Recently, under the leadership of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, Yemen has become a pivotal force in confronting regional and international challenges. Its stance on the recent Israeli escalation in Gaza signals a shift from support to active deterrence, positioning Yemen with its capabilities and location at the heart of the power equation in favor of Palestine.
Yemen’s position is not for media consumption or rhetorical display. It is rooted in an experience that has demonstrated exceptional strength, capable of imposing powerful (political-PC) equations. Its decision today sends a dual message to both the US and Israel: “If you do this, we will do that, and if you return to war, we will return to it.” This stance reflects the deterrence power Yemen now holds, enhancing its influence in the course of war and peace.
Moreover, Yemen’s strong and bold stance contributes to shifting political equations through its robust diplomacy, which supports the Palestinian position in negotiations with major powers. It can be said that Yemen has become a decisive factor in shaping political solutions to the Palestinian crisis, reflecting its transformation from a supporter of the cause to an influential force in its trajectory.
Amid the absence of decisive official Arab stances, particularly in the recent (Cairo Arab) summit, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Yemeni military, and the Yemeni people at all levels stand firmly against Israeli and American aggression and arrogance. Yemen’s position is not limited to statements but is backed by real actions reflecting a deep belief in the importance of resistance, making it a representative of the Arab and Islamic street’s conscience and the only force taking practical, effective steps. This adds a central role to Yemen in reviving Arab stagnation toward major issues.
We will not preempt events as we await the outcomes of negotiations and mediators’ efforts. As time runs out, we have no doubt that Yemen will carry out its threat without hesitation, regardless of the consequences and challenges. Tomorrow is closer than it seems.
(Al-Mayadeen Arabic website – Translated and prepared by the Palestine Chronicle)
