Iranian-backed terrorist militias in Yemen and Iraq announced on Thursday that they would cease their attacks against Israel following the agreement on a ceasefire with Hamas.
This marks a significant de-escalation in the multi-front war that Israel has faced since Oct. 7, 2023.
Mohammed Abdul Salam, the Houthi spokesperson, declared the group’s “battle reaching its conclusion with the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza,” though maintaining a cautionary stance toward Israel.
The Nujaba Movement in Iraq, through its secretary-general Akram al-Kaabi, confirmed the suspension of “military” operations while emphasizing its continued readiness to respond if hostilities resume.
Al-Kaabi, according to a report in Newsweek, said, “With this important development, we announce that we will suspend our military operations against the entity [Israel] in solidarity with its halt in Palestine, and to strengthen the continuation of the truce in Gaza. However, let the usurping entity know that any foolishness on its part in Palestine or the region will be met with a harsh response and that our fingers are still on the trigger and our missiles and drones are fully prepared.”
Ansar Allah, the formal name of the Houthi movement, is expected to release a more detailed position through its leader, Abdul Malek al-Houthi. The group has significantly harmed international maritime security in recent months, attacking vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as well as firing dozens of ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel over the past year.
The suspension of hostilities represents a potential turning point for regional stability, particularly for international shipping routes that have faced disruption since the conflict’s escalation following the attack by Hamas against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Across the Middle East, some groups herald the ceasefire agreement as a victory, others maintained more measured positions.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal welcome of the agreement while continuing to advocate for broader regional peace initiatives.
The ceasefire agreement with Hamas awaits confirmation from Israel’s Security Cabinet and full Cabinet.
