SANAA: Thousands of Yemenis crowded the capital Sanaa on Friday to express their support for the Iran-backed Houthis, who say they will maintain pressure on Israel despite the imminent Gaza ceasefire.

Every week for the past 15 months, people have filled the centre of the rebel-held city on Fridays to chant their backing for the Palestinians.

This week, with the ceasefire awaiting final Israeli cabinet approval before coming into effect on Sunday, was no different.

The agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas would see hostages held in devastated Gaza being exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

“We’re here to celebrate the victory (of the Palestinians) and of our missiles and drones which forced Israel to halt its aggression in Gaza,” said one demonstrator, Zeid al-Astout.

A Huthi, Khaled al-Matri, said he supported the ceasefire deal for Gaza.

But he added: “We will not give in until the disappearance of the Zionist state, God willing”, before breaking into chants of “Death to America, death to Israel!”

Since Oct 7, 2023, Hamas raid in Israel, the Houthis have fired dozens of missiles and attack drones at Israel. They have also targeted shipping in the key Red Sea and Gulf of Aden waterways that are vital to world trade.

The Huthis, who say their action is in solidarity with the Palestinians, have themselves seen their positions in Yemen hit by US, Israeli and sometimes British air strikes.

On Thursday, leader Abdulmalik al-Huthi in a televised address threatened to keep up their attacks if Israel does not respect the ceasefire with Hamas.

“We will watch the implementation of the agreement, and if there are any Israeli breaches, massacres or attacks, we will be ready to provide military support to the Palestinian people,” he said.

It was a speech “full of defiance”, said Mohammed Albasha, founder of the US-based risk consultancy Basha Report.

He said the Houthi leader’s speech suggested “the potential mobilisation of up to one million fighters and a readiness to expand operations if challenged”.

Basha said the Houthis “stand ready for future rounds of confrontation”.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2025