Yemeni government officials from the Houthi militia are fatally struck by Israel
In a series of significant events, the Middle East has seen a flurry of activity over the past few days.
Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad reportedly detonated manipulated pagers and handheld devices of Hezbollah members in Lebanon in 2024, resulting in the deaths of around 40 people. This incident occurred 2,000 kilometers away in Lebanon, indicating Israel's improved ability to target leaders of Islamist groups, according to Yemen expert Ahmed Nagi at the International Crisis Group.
Meanwhile, in Israel, thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding a swift end to the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Many assembled at the "Hostages' Square" in the city center, calling on the government to agree to a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of the captives. The Forum of Hostages' Families criticized the Netanyahu government for ignoring the will of the people and not bringing the hostages home. They called for another protest today.
In a separate incident, the slain Houthi Minister-President Al-Rahaui was killed in a Thursday airstrike by the Israeli military. The airstrike targeted a facility where dozens of top Houthi officials were present. The Houthi militia, officially known as "Ansar Allah" ("Supporters of God"), is considered the strongest force in Yemen where a civil war has been raging since 2014. The Houthi government in Sanaa is not internationally recognized.
As these events unfold, the Security Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu is set to meet again today to discuss these developments and potential responses. However, a proposal for an agreement reportedly approved by Hamas will not be on the agenda at the meeting, according to TV channel N12.
These events underscore the complex and volatile nature of the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and tensions between various factions and nations. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue in order to find a peaceful resolution to these issues.
