Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned and rejected the Israeli calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said that targeting civilians, including women, children, relief workers, and journalists, will not bring peace but will only lead to more violence. The statement called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities and take immediate measures to halt the military escalation and end the comprehensive blockade on the Palestinian people. Yesterday, Israel ordered over one million people in Northern Gaza to leave their homes, a move which has sparked condemnation worldwide.
Saudi Arabia has postponed U.S.-backed plans to normalize ties with Israel as war escalates between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas, reported Reuters yesterday. This war has also pushed the kingdom to shift to Iran, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his first phone call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Israeli and Saudi leaders said they were moving steadily towards a deal that could have reshaped the Middle East. However, the breakout of the Israel-Hamas war has changed the position of Saudi Arabia. On Friday, the kingdom released a statement denouncing the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, urging the international community to act.
Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 2,215 people, including 724 children, the Palestinian Hamas-controlled health ministry said Saturday. The Ministry said some 458 women were among those killed, adding that 8,714 people have also been wounded. More than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed over the past seven days, the United Nations said Saturday. The Israeli airstrikes began Saturday in response to a surprise attack by Hamas fighters. Over 1300 Israelis have been killed since Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the bombardment is "just the beginning," vowing to eradicate the Hamas Organization.
The United States has expressed its readiness to support the Yemeni army and enhance its defense capabilities. On Friday, General Staff Chief and Commander of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Saghir bin Aziz, discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination in the military and security fields with the United States Central Command Commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla. Bin Aziz stated that the U.S. officials expressed willingness to provide technical support to the Yemeni army, enhance its defense capabilities, and improve military training centers, government sources said. During the meeting held at the United States Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Bin Aziz expressed his high appreciation for the support provided by the United States to Yemen and its leadership. He looked forward to enhancing cooperation between the U.S. military and the Yemeni Armed Forces, especially in training, military scholarships and training.
