In nationwide demonstrations in support of Gaza, Yemenis raise the slogan “escalation for escalation”
In recent developments, Yemeni citizens have organized a series of weekly demonstrations in the capital city of Sana’a and various provinces nationwide to express solidarity with Palestinians amidst ongoing conflicts with Israel. The rallies underscore the protesters' opposition to what they describe as Israel's genocidal actions.
On Friday, protesters organized demonstrations in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, as well as in the provinces of Sa’ada, Hudaydah, Hajjah, and al-Mahwit. The rallies unfolded under the banner “We firmly stand with Gaza, the glory…without limits and without red lines,” with demonstrators brandishing both Yemeni and Palestinian flags.
Protests were likewise held across the provinces of Raymah, ʽAmran, Dhale, Lahij, Ma’rib, al-Bayda, Ta’izz, Ibb, and Dhamar.
Protesters expressed strong solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid Israeli strikes on Yemen, chanting slogans such as “We will continue to bomb you… escalation for escalation,” to emphasize their defiance and call for reciprocal action.
Earlier today, the Yemeni forces were commended for their recent attacks on Israeli targets, with calls for the military to escalate their retaliatory efforts.
A spokesperson for the Yemeni military announced on Friday that the armed forces have launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, described as a “critical target” in Yaffa, as well as an Israel-affiliated vessel in the Arabian Sea. These actions were carried out in retaliation against alleged Israeli aggressions in Yemen and Gaza, according to the military representative.
In a series of airstrikes conducted by Israel on Thursday, at least six individuals lost their lives and 40 others sustained injuries. The attacks targeted Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations, escalating tensions in the region.
A statement released during the protests criticized what it described as the “disgraceful” silence of certain Arab regimes and the broader international community regarding alleged Israeli actions.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemeni forces have conducted numerous operations in solidarity with the affected residents. These actions have included strikes on locations across the occupied Palestinian territories and targeting Israeli ships or vessels bound for ports within these territories.
On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a significant military operation in Gaza following a surprise offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Storm. This escalation comes amid longstanding tensions and conflicts between Israel and Palestinians, marked by a history of violence and strife.
The ongoing military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 45,436 Palestinians, with a significant number of casualties being women and children. Additionally, over 108,038 individuals have sustained injuries. Thousands remain unaccounted for and are feared to be trapped beneath the debris.
