Thousands of Yemenis crowded the capital Sanaa Friday to express their support for the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who say they will maintain pressure on Israel despite the imminent Gaza ceasefire.

Yemen's Houthi rebels welcomed news of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza even as a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas was reported to be holding up Israeli approval of the long-awaited ceasefire agreement.

Hamas remains the dominant Palestinian power in Gaza even after 15 months of Israeli bombardment, holding sway in displacement camps and refusing to surrender.

Mysterious airstrip appears A new airstrip is nearing completion on Abd al-Kuri Island in Yemen, with satellite images indicating significant construction activity. The runway, which appears to be built by the United Arab Emirates (UAE),

The leader of Yemen's Houthis said on Thursday that the Iran-aligned group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels threatened on Thursday to keep up their attacks if Israel did not respect the recently announced ceasefire in its war against Hamas.

Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire on Wednesday, leading to speculation that the Yemen-based Houthis — who started attacking commercial ships in late 2023 ostensibly in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip — might call off the broadsides for good.

"We announce that we will suspend our military operations against [Israel]," the Nujaba Movement's leader said.

The Hamas Movement has strongly condemned the multiple Israeli attacks on parts of Yemen, including the Hezyaz power station near the capital Sanaa and the Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports on the western coast.

The truce deal has been welcomed by factions of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance which joined Hamas’ fight against Israel after the conflict triggered on October 7, 2023. The forces are celebrating the