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Israel-Hamas War Updates: Misinformation Spreading During War

On October 31, the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced via a televised statement the recent launch of a substantial barrage of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel. With a promise of forthcoming strikes, the Houthis aim to lend support to the Palestinian cause, promising more attacks to assist them in achieving victory.

Saree’s comments indirectly acknowledged the group’s involvement in prior attacks on Israel during the ongoing conflict. These include the October 28 drone strike that caused explosions in Egypt, which Israel attributed to the Houthis, and the interception of three cruise missiles by the U.S. Navy on October 19. Aligned with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” the Houthis have supported the Palestinians since the recent hostilities initiated by Hamas. Accusing Israel of perpetuating regional instability, Saree emphasized the Houthis’ resolve to continue their attacks until what they deem as Israeli aggression comes to a halt.

It is important to note that it isn’t Yemen’s internationally recognized government that has not declared war on Israel despite recent missile launches by Houthi rebels, who currently control the country’s capital. Although these attacks targeted Israeli territories and the group has threatened further assaults, experts suggest that the actions do not constitute an official declaration of all-out war against Israel.

What Will Be the Effects?

Yemen’s involvement in the conflict has raised concerns about its impact on regional stability. The Houthi rebels, with suspected support from Iran and their use of advanced weapons like missiles and drones against Israel, have heightened the risk of destabilizing the Middle East, potentially triggering a strong Israeli response.

Despite the devastating impact of the violent conflicts on Yemeni civilians, there’s a dire need for a humanitarian ceasefire and peace negotiations. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have sought lasting resolve, but the fractured political landscape and underlying interests continuously hinder peaceful resolution.

The Yemen Connection: Houthi Rebels

Relations between Israel and Yemen remain highly strained, with no diplomatic ties between the two nations. Yemen’s refusal to admit individuals with Israeli travel documents aligns with Israeli law’s classification of Yemen as an “enemy state.” The Houthi leadership in control of Sanaa has officially labeled Israel as an adversary. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, in a televised address, asserted that the movement’s missile and drone strikes on Israel were in support of the Palestinian cause.

The Houthis, recognized as part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” belong to an informal anti-Israel and anti-Western political and military coalition led by Iran. The rise of the Iranian-backed Houthi movement in war-torn Yemen since the 2000s has resulted in Yemeni Jews fleeing the nation due to discrimination, threats, and violent attacks targeting Jewish neighborhoods, libraries, and individuals by the Houthis.

The Houthi Rebels, whose seat of power lies in Yemen’s northwestern Saada province, have long been engaged in a civil war. This has resulted in an unmounted devastation in the country and has also brought regional players into the struggle. It has deepened Yemen’s internal instability, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis followed by famine and widespread suffering among the civilian population.

Gaza Siege Latest Developments: Chances for Cease Fire ‘Cease’ To Exist

On November 8, 2023, Israel declined all requests for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli military experts expressed their intention to escalate their actions against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas without specifying a time frame for their operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that he would not endorse a ceasefire until Hamas releases all hostages. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that an Israeli ceasefire in Gaza might allow Hamas to regroup and launch further assaults. He stressed the importance of Israel taking “all necessary measures” to prevent civilian casualties in the region.

The United Nations voted overwhelmingly in favor of a humanitarian pause in Gaza. The UN’s emergency food relief agency cautioned that food supplies in the devastated area had reached critically low levels. Additionally, Gaza has been enduring a complete electricity blackout since October 11, following Israel’s cessation of power and fuel supply.

The Menace of Misinformation:

A barrage of misleading information about the recent Israel-Hamas conflict started to make its way across the internet at an alarming pace. People were sharing videos that weren’t accurate. Some were saying things on social media that weren’t true like that actors are pretending to be hurt in the war, even though it’s not happening. Others are spreading stories about American soldiers going to Gaza to fight on the ground, even though there’s no evidence of this. We must be careful about what we believe and share online, especially during conflict.