Yemen Endorses Ceasefire Negotiations for Gaza, Urges Palestinians to Approach Talks with Confidence
The chairman of Yemen's Supreme Political Council has reiterated his nation's unwavering backing for the Qatar-mediated ceasefire discussions between Palestinian resistance factions and the Israeli occupation authorities, aiming to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in the heavily blockaded Gaza Strip.
According to a statement reported by Yemen’s al-Masirah television channel on Monday, Mahdi al-Mashat emphasized that Sana’a will maintain its backing for Gaza until the ongoing Israeli offensive on the blockaded Palestinian territory is brought to an end.
Mashat urged negotiators to proceed with confidence in the peace talks, assuring them of unwavering support from their people until the blockade is lifted and the hostility ceases.
He stated that adversarial threats will not affect the resolve of the Yemeni people, emphasizing, “We will maintain our support for the people in Gaza and protect the sovereignty of our nation with all our might. The surprises we have in store will continue to unfold.”
Emphasizing Yemen’s steadfast support for the people of Gaza until their triumph is realized, Mashat declared that no Zionist aggression, regardless of its magnitude or impact, will dissuade the Yemeni populace from backing Gaza.
A senior official commended the Yemeni armed forces for their exceptional vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding the nation and deterring aggressors.
Yemen is described as a battleground for decisive actions rather than a stage for theatrics, according to Mashat, who cited historical context and expressed confidence that current events will bear this out.
Negotiations between the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and Israel concerning a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza proceeded for a second consecutive day on Monday.
The latest proposal outlines a gradual release plan involving approximately 28 captives held by Hamas, set to occur during an initial 60-day ceasefire. It also includes the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas of Gaza, an increase in humanitarian assistance, and negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent resolution to the 21-month conflict.
In March, a prior ceasefire disintegrated as Israel withdrew from a commitment to participate in negotiations aimed at facilitating a second phase of the truce, potentially leading to a lasting end to hostilities.
Hamas representatives have insisted on firm assurances that Israel will refrain from initiating any new offensive once the 60-day period concludes.
Israel has launched a comprehensive military offensive against the Gaza Strip since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least 57,523 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, while 136,617 others have been injured.
