Yemen and Palestine: A Strategic Alliance Forged in Shared Resistance and Regional Justice

Yemen and Palestine: A Strategic Alliance Forged in Shared Resistance and Regional Justice

The bond between Yemen and Palestine transcends mere religious or humanitarian solidarity; it is rooted in a profound, strategic understanding of shared regional challenges and aspirations. Yemen’s unwavering support for Palestine, particularly Gaza—a strip of land reeling under decades of Israeli occupation, blockade, and relentless aggression—is neither transient rhetoric nor performative diplomacy. It is a cornerstone of Yemen’s foreign policy and national identity, reflecting a principled commitment to justice that has endured through immense sacrifice.

Yemen has leveraged every diplomatic, humanitarian, and military tool at its disposal to champion the Palestinian cause. From delivering critical humanitarian aid and spearheading bold political advocacy in international forums to executing targeted maritime operations that disrupt Israel’s economy, Yemen’s resolve has only intensified amid Israel’s escalating atrocities. This multifaceted approach underscores Yemen’s recognition that Gaza’s liberation is inseparable from regional stability, particularly in the Red Sea—a vital artery of global trade and security. Yemen understands all too well that Israel’s brutal siege on Gaza fuels broader regional instability, threatening the security of nations far beyond Palestine’s borders.

 Strategic Imperatives and Moral Obligations

Yemen’s support for Palestine is guided by three pillars of profound significance:

a)     Al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic Solidarity: As the first Qibla of Islam, Al-Aqsa remains a sacred symbol of Muslim unity. Its desecration by Israeli forces is not merely an attack on Palestine but an affront to 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. Yemen, as a custodian of Islamic heritage, views its defense as both a religious duty and a moral imperative.

b)    Shared Suffering Under Siege: Yemenis recognize their own plight mirrored in Gaza’s agony. For nearly a decade, Yemen has endured a Saudi-Emirati-led blockade—backed tacitly by Western powers and Israel—that has starved millions, destroyed infrastructure, and created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. This parallel struggle fosters an unbreakable bond of empathy and resistance.

c)      Israeli Complicity in Yemen’s Destruction: Israel’s direct role in the Saudi-led coalition’s 2015 invasion of Yemen—including intelligence sharing, arms sales, and public endorsements of war crimes by figures like Benjamin Netanyahu—has cemented Yemen’s resolve. Israeli forces now occupy Yemeni territories like Perim and Socotra, further exposing the regime’s colonial ambitions in the region.

 Maritime Resistance: A Game-Changer for Palestinian Liberation

Yemen’s strategic control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a pivotal front in countering Israeli aggression. Since November 2023, Yemen’s Armed Forces have executed a meticulously phased campaign of maritime resistance, disrupting Israeli-linked shipping and exposing the fragility of Israel’s economic and military dominance.

- Phase 1 (November 2023): Targeting Israeli-affiliated vessels in the Red Sea.

- Phase 2 (January 2024): Expanding operations to include American and British ships complicit in Israeli crimes.

- Phase 3 (March 2024): Striking enemy assets as far as the Indian Ocean.

- Phase 4 (May 2024): Escalating to the Mediterranean, directly confronting U.S., UK, and Israeli warships.

- Phase 5 (July–September 2024): Precision strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa, including a historic hypersonic missile breakthrough that shattered Israel’s vaunted “Iron Dome.”

This resistance has exacted a staggering toll on Israel’s economy:

80% decline in Israeli port revenues due to the Bab el-Mandeb blockade.

- $80 billion in direct losses, with a 60% drop in food imports and 50% inflation in occupied territories.

- $15 billion collapse in exports and 70% reduction in foreign investment.

- $4 billion monthly logistics crisis, including a 250% spike in maritime insurance and rerouted shipping lanes adding 13,000 km to voyages.

 Conclusion: Yemen’s Steadfastness as a Beacon of Hope

Yemen’s support for Palestine is not merely symbolic—it is a masterclass in anti-colonial resistance. By harmonizing strategic military action with unyielding humanitarian advocacy, Yemen has exposed the vulnerabilities of an apartheid regime reliant on Western impunity. Every missile launched, every ship diverted, and every speech delivered in defense of Palestine reaffirms a simple truth: Oppression cannot outlast collective resistance.

As Gaza’s children draw strength from Yemen’s defiance, and as Yemenis endure their own siege with dignity, this alliance exemplifies the power of global South solidarity. Yemen’s message to Palestine—and to the world—is clear: No blockade, no bombardment, and no empire can extinguish the flame of liberation. The road to justice is long, but as long as nations like Yemen stand unbroken, apartheid’s days are numbered.

By: M. S. Qorbani