The leader of Yemen’s Ansarallah, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has warned of possible military action against America if President Donald Trump proceeds with his initiative to rebuild the Gaza Strip. Al-Houthi, head of the Houthi movement, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s plan, which aims to allow Palestinians in Gaza to find refuge in neighboring countries. Instead, al-Houthi supports Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, in maintaining its control over the territory.
Translations of al-Houthi’s statements suggest he proposed that the U.S. should force Israeli citizens to move to America, instead of helping Palestinians flee Hamas’s grip. The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, are major allies of Iran’s government. Following the invasion of Israel by Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have supported Hamas by attacking ships in the Red Sea, indiscriminately targeting vessels irrespective of their nationality.
Al-Houthi’s recent comments highlighted Trump’s February proposal to end the Gaza conflict by offering refuge to Palestinian civilians and dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure. Trump had previously stated, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too.” He envisioned a transformed Gaza with economic development providing jobs and housing for its people.
In response, al-Houthi accused Trump of uprooting Palestinians from their land, labeling the plan a denial of rights. He declared, “Trump is a criminal and insists on his criminal plan that denies rights and justice.” Warning his forces to prepare for potential military intervention, he emphasized coordination with Palestinian fighters and the broader “resistance axis.”
The “resistance axis” refers to a network of Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Al-Houthi also suggested relocating Israeli citizens to the U.S., claiming there is ample uninhabited space available. He cautioned that if the U.S. advances its plan in Gaza, the Houthis will act within their perceived religious duties.
Iranian media outlet PressTV reported al-Houthi’s commitment to military action if necessary. He condemned Trump as one of several “tyrants, criminals, and oppressors.” The Houthis have continued to rally support for Hamas, staging events that criticize Trump’s vision for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Another Ansarallah leader, Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, also criticized Trump during a rally, emphasizing that American military support would not force Palestinians to leave. He asserted that U.S. actions would not succeed in displacing Gaza’s residents. The Houthis have maintained a strong anti-Israel stance, aligning with international jihadist movements.
The Houthis rose to prominence in 2014 with the capture of Yemen’s capital, sparking a civil war still ongoing today. During the Biden administration, the Houthis were removed from the U.S. list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, which expanded their financial capabilities. However, Trump reinstated their status as a terrorist group upon returning to office, limiting their operations.
The Houthis’ maritime disruptions in the Red Sea have imposed significant costs on global shipping, with companies facing increased insurance and rerouting expenses. These actions were in solidarity with Hamas, following financial boosts from Iranian support. The White House has documented the Houthis’ extensive attacks, including over 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.
For years, the Houthis have been involved in regional conflicts, occasionally targeting Saudi Arabia. Their activities have expanded with Iran’s backing, posing threats beyond Yemen’s borders. The Houthis’ aggressive stance continues to escalate tensions in the Middle East, complicating efforts for peace and stability.
