Yemenis have expressed outrage following the confirmation that Prime Minister Ahmed Galeb al-Rahawis and several ministers of the Houthi-backed government were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on Saturday night, confirming that the strike targeted a gathering of senior Houthi leaders in Sana’a, which included Prime Minister Rahawis. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as an “unprecedented strike” against the Houthi leadership and warned that it was “just the beginning.”
Amid this severe attack, Yemen’s Deputy Information Minister Mohammad Mansour stated, “The death of Prime Minister Rahawis and the ministers is a great loss, but we have resolved to defend our country. Supporting Gaza is an integral part of safeguarding Yemen’s sovereignty.”
Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been launching drones and missiles at Israel. While Israel has intercepted many of these attacks, it has responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled cities such as Sana’a and Hodeidah.
Residents of Sana’a said the killing of the prime minister has strengthened their resolve to support Gaza. Local resident Amin al-Jafari said, “The assassination of the prime minister and ministers has made us more determined. Gaza is our soul; we will not retreat.”
Another resident, Ma’in Obed, added, “This is painful, but it will not break our resolve. If Gaza fails, the very existence of the Arab world is at risk.”
