Millions Gather in Yemen to Commemorate Prophet’s Birth Amid Leaders’ Call for ‘Decisive Battle’

Crowds amassed in the streets of Sana’a and 14 other provinces, including Hudaydah, Ibb, Hajjah, Sa’ada, Raymah, Ma’rib, Amran, Ta’iz, Dhamar, and Bayda on Thursday to commemorate the significant occasion.

In the capital, Defense Minister Mohammed al-Atifi and Army Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari characterized the ongoing situation confronting Yemenis as “a decisive battle between right and wrong,” rather than merely a transitory challenge.

In a significant development last week, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Yemeni capital, resulting in the death of Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi of the National Government of Change and Construction, along with eight other officials.

Atifi and Ghamari affirmed Yemen’s unwavering commitment to its national issues and its support for Palestinian brothers in Gaza.

They pledged that “the blood of our martyrs will not be disregarded,” cautioning that those responsible for the aggression would be held accountable for every drop shed.

During the celebrations, Yemen’s Ansarullah movement leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, delivered a speech, noting that the occasion aligns with the end of the second year of the US-backed Israeli war on Gaza.

Israeli forces reportedly utilize the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the West Bank as sites for daily aggressive actions, with some Muslim communities seemingly remaining indifferent to the situation.

It is regrettable that measures are being implemented against an Islamic nation, with the Muslim world watching passively, seemingly detached from the matter. While some are oblivious to the impending threats, others appear to be in concord with Israel.

He indicated that Israel’s strategy extends beyond Palestine, with its leaders explicitly asserting their goals under the guise of reconfiguring the Middle East to create a ‘Greater Israel’.

Since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, the term “Greater Israel” has been employed to refer to the lands occupied by Israel, encompassing East al-Quds, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and Syria’s strategic Golan Heights.

Early Zionist visionaries extended their aspirations to include the territory of present-day Jordan. This ideology continues to be a fundamental principle within the Likud party’s political heritage. Helmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud remains deeply influenced by the principles of Revisionist Zionism.

Houthi has asserted that the protection of the Islamic Ummah from the perceived Israeli threat should be pursued not by enduring ongoing subjugation, but through Jihad, as a means to counteract the regime’s acts of aggression, corruption, and criminality.

On this noteworthy occasion, the Ansarullah leader underscored their dedication to unwavering faith, adherence to the Holy Qur’an, adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, upholding the banner of jihad, and challenging the oppression of the Zionist entity along with its allies.

He stated, “We reiterate our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and urge conscientious individuals worldwide to oppose the actions of the Zionist adversary, which persist in committing acts of genocide and imposing starvation on the residents.”

Since the onset of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, Yemeni forces have actively engaged in a series of assaults in support of Palestinians, directing their actions towards airports, ports, and various locations throughout the contested regions. Yemen has consistently pledged that these attacks will persist as long as Israel maintains its military actions and blockade on the enclosed area.

The offensive by Israeli forces on Gaza has led to the tragic loss of over 63,746 Palestinian lives, with more than 161,245 individuals injured, predominantly affecting women and children.