Tue Feb 11 18:27:22 UTC 2025: ## Houthis Threaten Israel Amidst Crumbling Gaza Ceasefire

**JERUSALEM/SANA’A** – Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued a stark warning to Israel, threatening military intervention if Israel violates the fragile ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The announcement follows Hamas’s decision to halt the release of Israeli captives due to alleged Israeli ceasefire violations.

The Houthi leader, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, declared in a televised address that they are “ready to launch a military intervention at any time in case of escalation against Gaza,” adding that “our hands are on the trigger.” This threat comes after the group launched over 100 attacks on Red Sea shipping and numerous missile and drone strikes on Israel since November, actions which they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians. While they had scaled back attacks following the ceasefire, the recent alleged violations have prompted this renewed threat.

The ceasefire, currently in its first of three phases, is facing severe strain. Hamas cites Israeli violations, including killings of Palestinians, restrictions on the movement of wounded civilians, and insufficient aid deliveries, as reasons for pausing the release of Israeli hostages. They have indicated that they will resume cooperation if Israel complies with the agreement.

Adding to the already tense situation, US President Donald Trump threatened to cancel the truce if Hamas doesn’t release all captives by Saturday. This threat was echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared that the Israeli military is prepared to resume “intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” and ordered troops to amass near the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defence Minister has also placed the military on high alert.

The Gaza war, which has claimed the lives of at least 48,219 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, has left Gaza’s infrastructure decimated and its population facing a humanitarian crisis. The current standoff raises serious concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict.

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