Why it matters:
Israel’s operations in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city bordering Egypt, could destabilize a critical regional relationship. The city’s proximity to Egyptian territory raises alarm about Cairo’s national security and the durability of the Egypt-Israel peace agreement.
The big picture:
Israel’s war on Gaza, with U.S. support, has displaced much of the Gaza Strip’s population and pushed the enclave toward famine. Amid mounting international criticism and ongoing strikes on hospitals and civilian infrastructure, humanitarian conditions continue to worsen.
Al-Houthi’s remarks underscore growing regional outrage as the conflict drags on and its consequences ripple beyond Gaza's borders.
What he's saying:
“The Zionist enemy's attempt to fully occupy Rafah is a threat to Egypt’s national security and a violation of its agreement with the Israeli regime,” Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, said.
“With continued U.S.-backed attacks, most of Gaza’s population has been displaced,” Seyyed al-Houthi said.
“American bombs are being dropped on refugees while the healthcare system is being destroyed,” Ansarallah Leader said.
“Israel is using famine as a weapon, continuing its starvation war for over six weeks despite U.N. acknowledgments of the crisis.”
“Daily raids on al-Quds and efforts to Judaize and potentially destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque continue because of the Muslim world’s indifference.”
Key points:
- Gaza’s population is facing displacement, famine, and a collapsed health system after Israel continued brutal attacks.
- Attacks on religious sites in the al-Aqsa compound are part of broader Israeli goals.
Go deeper:
Israel has long portrayed Rafah as a final Hamas stronghold. But its full occupation could have unintended diplomatic consequences, particularly with Egypt, which brokered several ceasefire efforts and controls a key Gaza border crossing.
Meanwhile, warnings of famine and war crimes from humanitarian organizations continue to pile up, fueling anger across the world.
Hossein Vaez
