![Hundreds of Sanaa University students and their supporters gather to demonstrate against the ceasefire and hostage swap agreement reached between Hamas and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen on January 22, 2024. [Mohammed Hamoud - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AA-20250122-36828356-36828342-DEMONSTRATION_IN_YEMEN_TO_MARK_GAZA_CEASEFIRE_AGREEMENT-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The leader of the Houthis in Yemen, Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, yesterday threatened to resume strikes on Israel should the occupation state back out of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
In a televised speech, the Houthi leader said: “If the Israeli enemy breaks the agreement and resumes escalation and genocide, we will resort back to escalation.”
“At this stage, we are monitoring and following up on the implementation of the agreement in Gaza, and the developments in the situation in Jenin and the West Bank.”
Al-Houthi stressed the group’s continuation and “steadfastness in its position and approach towards the Palestinian people, as has been the case over the past 15 months.”
On 19 January, a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel went into effect, and its first phase will last for 42 days, during which negotiations will begin regarding the implementation of a second and then a third phase, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US.
Yesterday, Israel violated the terms of the truce by blocking the return of Palestinians to their homes and areas in northern Gaza. Palestinians were allowed to return today 24 hours after the agreed time.