Project Sword
Wen Sister Xiong. According to the Defense Times, in recent days, Yemen's Houthi rebels are conducting a national mobilization in areas under their control, with the aim of training fighters to go to the Gaza Strip to participate in Hamas's military operations against Israelis. The top Houthi fighters say they have set up training camps in various districtsTens of thousands of young people volunteered to participate in military training and learn military skillsQuite a few have graduated.
Graduation ceremony of military training for Houthi youth).
Strictly speaking, this kind of training of the Houthis for national mobilization,In fact, it is more like a statement, and it does not mean much to help Hamas and Palestine。After all, whether these trained Yemenis will actually be sent to Gaza depends not only on the Houthis' ability to transport soldiers to Gaza, but also on the Houthis' strategy and situation in Yemen itself, as well as whether there is external support or constraints. However, even if it is just a statement, it is definitely a great comfort to the besieged Gazans.
Houthis in solidarity with Palestine).
Since the escalation of the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,The Houthis are the only armed forces so far that have used military means to support Hamas. Their escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait can be described as a substantial economic blockade of Israel. In a sense, the Houthis have even become embroiled in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. However, the actions of the US fleet in the Red Sea and the formation of a convoy coalition by the US side have helped Israel withstand pressure from the Houthis.
Many Middle East analysts believe that the Houthi approachIn essence, it uses the same logic as Israel, while also preempting a kind of moral high ground in the Middle East– Israel has given itself the right to besiege the Gaza Strip, and the Houthis have given themselves the right to besiege Israel, linking the opening of the straits to the lifting of Israel's blockade of Gaza. This practice is seen by many in the region as both reasonable and noble.
Houthis seized ships associated with Israel)
Of course, the support of the Houthis for Hamas,There are not only ideological resonances, but also strategic considerations.
Ideologically, the Houthis, as Shiite Muslims, are part of the "arc of resistance" and have religious and political ties to Hamas, Iraqi resistance, and others
Strategically, by supporting the Palestinians, the Houthis can demonstrate their position to Iran and solicit more aid and supportIt can also establish its image and prestige as a resistance force in the country and region, and enhance its political and military influence and legitimacy. The Houthi attack on a merchant ship in the Red Sea is not only one of its concrete actions in support of the PalestiniansIt is also a way for it to demonstrate its military capabilities and deterrence.
Houthi missiles).
And the Americans' response to the actions of the Houthis is to form a coalition escort, and even threaten to attack the Houthis, with military deterrence against military deterrence. This is the consistent mindset of the United States, which sees war as the most effective way to solve international problems. But in the Middle East, this is clearly not a wise choice in the face of the Houthis, who have little to lose and are not afraid of warOn the contrary, because of the "fight against imperialism", it will gain more popular followers and recognition.
This is probably one of the most important reasons why the Houthi mobilization has been so responsive.
support for the Houthi population in Palestine).
Of course, we can't say what the effect of this action by the Houthis will be. But what is certain is that the Houthis are serious, and they will not easily give up their support for Palestine or succumb to international pressure. In this eventful winter, this action by the Houthis will undoubtedly add new variables and uncertainties to the complex situation in the Middle East, and we remain to observe whether there is a risk of spillover from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and whether a full-scale war in the region may break out.