Description: The leader of the Yemeni’s Houthis, or Ansar Allah, Abdel Malik al – Houthi had stated the Houthis would reinitiate attacks on Israel and its western allies if the Gaza ceasefire agreement is broken. The statement came on the precipice of statements from both Trump and Netanyahu as well as Abu Ubaida, that both Israel and Hamas have under some terms broken conditions from the ceasefire agreement. The mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement Qatar and Egypt haven’t disclosed future steps in ensuring its continuance with the deadline set by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for Saturday.
Impact: The Houthis have been detrimental to interests concerning Israel and the US in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Their pledge to continue attacks on Israeli and western targets in the region adds to Hamas’ position for the ceasefire agreement to continue. While both Israel and Hamas shifted blame regarding the breaking of conditions, Israel alongside the US seem less determined to extend the lifespan of the ceasefire agreement. Israel had launched an offensive in the second week of the ceasefire agreement in the West Bank and as a result Hamas delayed the hostage exchange. The Houthis also control the Bab al – Mandab straight which has proven to be integral to world maritime trade and transport industry which could be once again severely impacted if the ceasefire doesn’t hold.