Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement in Yemen, issued a stark warning on Thursday regarding potential military action against the United States if President Donald Trump proceeds with his controversial plan to rehabilitate the Gaza Strip. Al-Houthi’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following Hamas’s recent military actions against Israel, which have escalated the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Houthis, a Yemeni group known for their militant activities, have expressed strong opposition to Trump’s proposal, which includes allowing Palestinian civilians in Gaza to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Instead, al-Houthi has voiced support for Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, suggesting that the U.S. should facilitate the relocation of Israeli citizens to America rather than offering sanctuary to Palestinians escaping Hamas’s control.
In his statements, al-Houthi condemned Trump’s plan as an attempt to displace the Palestinian people and labeled the U.S. president as a "criminal" for endorsing what he views as an unjust initiative. He urged the armed forces to prepare for military intervention should the U.S. carry out its plans, emphasizing the need for coordination with resistance groups in Palestine and across the region.
The Houthi movement, which has controlled Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, since 2014, has aligned itself with Iran and other militant organizations, forming what is referred to as the "resistance axis." This coalition includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Al-Houthi’s threats of military action reflect a broader strategy of the Houthis to assert their influence and support for Hamas amid the ongoing conflict.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have escalated their military activities, including attacks on various ships in the Red Sea, claiming to target vessels linked to the U.S., Israel, and the U.K. However, their actions have also affected ships from other nations, raising concerns about the implications for international shipping and trade.
Trump’s plan, which was outlined in early February, aims to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza, which he described as a "demolition site." His administration has pledged to take responsibility for rebuilding efforts while providing economic opportunities for displaced Palestinians. However, al-Houthi’s response suggests that such plans are met with fierce resistance from groups aligned with Hamas and Iran.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Houthis have organized weekly rallies in support of Hamas, condemning U.S. actions and reiterating their commitment to resist any attempts to displace the Palestinian population. Al-Houthi’s recent comments reflect the ongoing volatility in the region and the complex interplay of local and international politics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
With the Houthis’ renewed threats and the U.S. administration’s stance, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern for regional stability and international relations in the Middle East.