Yemen: With the initial news of the seizure of an Israeli ship by the Yemeni Armed Forces in the Red Sea, social media platforms ignited with positions from writers, politicians, and activists both domestically and internationally. The prevailing sentiment was in support of this operation, touching the aspirations of Yemeni citizens in particular and Arab nations in general.

Yahya al-Hadid, President of the Gulf Council for Democracy and Human Rights, commented on the operation, stating that Yemen has placed the world at a crossroads - either stopping the genocide in Gaza or facing repercussions regarding Bab-el-Mandeb. He simultaneously pointed out that while there might be condemnations of Yemen for violating international maritime law, these entities seemed to have forgotten international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians.

Goodwill Ambassador and UN member Sameh Asker published details about the detained Israeli ship, Galaxy Leader, on X, specifying its cargo of 48,000 tons, a length of 149 meters, designated for vehicle transport, and carrying a crew of dozens.

Asker stated that the world faces a critical and pivotal event that could disrupt trade routes and threaten international navigation in the Red Sea. He presented several options for the global community: either declaring war on Yemen, which is challenging given Yemen's vastness and its ability to become a quagmire for those who enter; or pressuring Israel practically to stop the massacres, which is easier; or Israel unilaterally declaring war on Yemen, leading to the destruction and further detention of its ships. Lastly, if America intervenes militarily, Yemen's response would also target American vessels.

He added that if the Zionist entity chooses any of these three options, the world would witness the practical closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This would ignite and expand the war in Gaza, just as many world leaders have warned.

Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai Al-Youm newspaper, Abdulbari Atwan, commented on the operation, saying, "Abu Yemen, if today he seizes an Israeli ship, tomorrow an American military frigate, and the day after, he may implement his threats to close Bab-el-Mandeb. This is the era of true men, and I swear by Allah, they are real men."

Many Arab writers and activists also spoke about the operation, and most of their positions were supportive of this bold move. They considered it a potential direct pressure tool on the Zionist aggression and possibly the most critical means of stopping Israel's aggression against Gaza.

On the local level, social media was filled with supportive stances, not only among writers and activists aligned with Sana’a but also among those affiliated with the Saudi-backed government. Among these positions, Yemeni journalist associated with the Islah Party, Mukhtar Al-Rahbi, wrote on his X account, saying: "If Houthis declare their support in the name of Gaza and Palestine, why don't you (the coalition countries) do the same and take stances in the name of Gaza and Palestine?" 

Similarly, Islah parliamentarian Mohammed Al-Hazmi wrote on his X platform, referring to the seizure of the Israeli ship as heroic and honorable.

Southern activist Salem Saleh Al-Yafa'i posted pictures of the ship on his X account, commenting, "Whoever doesn't take pride in Abdulmalik Al-Houthi is not Yemeni. Thanks to Al-Houthi and his supporters, from heart to heart, and God is the Greatest, and praise be to God."

In conclusion, this operation reflected the aspirations of the Yemenis first and the Arabs second, especially in the face of Zionist aggression and the continued genocide, showcasing the failure of Arab regimes to take a stance in support of Gaza. Yemen took a stand, starting from striking the Zionist enemy with missiles and drones to seizing the Israeli ship in the Red Sea and preventing the passage of any vessel affiliated with the Zionist entity through Bab-el-Mandeb.

Source: YPA, translated by Almasirah English website