Credited from: CHANNELNEWSASIA
The recently brokered ceasefire between Yemen's Houthi movement and the United States marks a significant shift in hostilities, albeit without including Israel. Mohammed Abdulsalam, the Houthis' chief negotiator, stated, "The agreement does not include Israel in any way, shape or form," which suggests that attacks on Israel may continue unabated. The deal comes after months of US airstrikes against the Houthis, which the Trump administration has framed as part of an effort to safeguard shipping routes in the Red Sea, essential for global trade. Despite the ceasefire, the Houthis have already linked their military actions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, according to channelnewsasia, thehill, and trtglobal.
While the ceasefire halts US bombings—a campaign that has reportedly killed hundreds in Houthi-controlled areas—the ongoing Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate infrastructure in Yemen, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Analysts note that these strikes are severely hampering vital services and aid efforts in a nation struggling with one of the world's most significant humanitarian crises. As stated by political analyst Abdel Fattah Haidara, "The reality is far more complex," highlighting how the ceasefire fails to offer a holistic resolution to the conflict, according to thehill and trtglobal.
President Trump announced the ceasefire as a strategic win ahead of an upcoming trip to Gulf nations, allegedly to pave the way for talks with Iran, which supports the Houthis. Experts explain that this move creates an off-ramp for the Trump administration, allowing them to showcase progress before engaging with regional powers. The success of the ceasefire may be temporary, as many see it as a tactic rather than a genuine commitment to peace. As Nadwa Al-Dawsari, an associate fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted, "The ceasefire might be sustainable but not durable," suggesting that it may allow the Houthis to regroup and replenish their resources in the meantime, according to thehill and trtglobal.
In the context of these developments, Houthi resistance to Israeli actions remains firm, as evidenced by missile strikes on Israel that have led to retaliatory airstrikes on Yemeni targets. The Israeli military has carried out several operations, including attacks on Sanaa's main airport, resulting in significant infrastructural damage. These exchanges hinder the chances for a lasting ceasefire and illustrate the escalating conflict dynamics in the region, emphasizing the Houthis' integration into a larger geopolitical struggle. Political analysts express concern that the US effectively tolerates continued Houthi hostilities toward Israel as long as American interests are not directly threatened, underscoring the complexities of international relations at play, according to channelnewsasia, thehill, and trtglobal.
With Israel and the Houthis continuing their military exchanges, the possibility of a lasting peace remains elusive. Both parties reaffirmed their intentions to press on with military strategies, complicating any immediate efforts for de-escalation. The repercussions of ongoing violence extend beyond military targets, significantly impacting the Yemeni economy and humanitarian conditions, raising pressing questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the broader international response, as confirmed by the latest reports from the sources thehill and trtglobal.