A wave of protests is sweeping across Yemen's capital Sanaa and other provinces, with thousands marching in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their ongoing suffering, voicing their support for military action.
Houthi officials have pledged a robust response following Israel's bombing of a port in Al Hudaydah, western Yemen, in July.
The Houthis announced plans to coordinate a retaliatory attack with the so-called "Axis of Resistance." The group is currently preparing a collective retaliation in response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr.
In a weekly speech, Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi group, has promised a definite military response to Israel, saying the Israeli government knows that a reaction is inevitable, and that Tel Aviv is currently preparing with U.S supervision and cooperation from western and Arab powers. He warned that Houthis will not be deterred by any pressure or threats.
"A definite response to the Israeli attack on fuel tanks at the Port of Al Hudaydah is inevitable and will come, God willing. The delayed response from the Axis is purely tactical, as it aims to ensure the response is effective against Israel's preparations," he said.
Many also support Hamas’ choice to replace Ismail Haniyeh, as Yahya Sinwar becomes the group’s new political leader. Many protesters say the move undermines Israel's plan to weaken the Palestinians and the Axis of Resistance.
On Thursday, the Al Hudaydah governorate was hit by five air raids in different areas. In response, protesters are calling for increased attacks on American and British ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to observers, the popular marches in Yemen, ongoing since October 2023, show the extent of solidarity with the Palestinian people. And demonstrators say they will not stop protesting until Israel ceases its war on the Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Yemenis hold demonstrations in support of Palestinians
Thousands of Yemenis hold mass demonstrations in support of Palestinians
Grassroots officials and students who teamed up with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing on Thursday morning said afterwards they would commit more energy to protecting their country's natural heritage and greening efforts.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, was accompanied by other Party and state leaders as they joined residents and local officials on the bank of the Yongding River in Beijing’s Fengtai District to plant saplings.
Xi waved to the crowd as he arrived at the site before picking up a shovel to help plant saplings of several different types of tree.
Xi took time to ask students from local schools about their studies, life and participation in labor and sports.
"We came here today to participate in this tree planting activity. What surprised us was that President Xi also took part. He worked alongside us, digging and building up the soil around the saplings. He has always been concerned about our lives and studies, and he encouraged us to work and study hard," said Lyu Shuochen, a student from the Fifth Primary School in Fengtai District.
"President Xi is very knowledgeable and understanding. He also encouraged us plant more trees to improve the air quality and the environment," said Gu Weichen, another student from the school.
During the event, Xi also talked with local grassroots officials, discussing the importance of preserving the nation's natural heritage.
"Every year, [the general secretary] takes part in the tree planting activity in the capital. He shovels the soil and waters the trees, which are truly touching. As environmental builders, we are determined to work together to make areas along the Yongding River greener and make the water clearer, so that local people can safely enjoy the riverside and truly understand the significance of ecological preservation," said Ding Hongwei, deputy director of the Fengtai District Yongding River Management Office.
"For us, participating in the tree planting activity with the general secretary is a vivid practical lesson in grassroots governance. Today, the general secretary also stressed that [environmental efforts should focus on] improving quality, boosting industry and benefiting the people. For us as community workers, it means we must deeply engage in the grassroots affairs. We need to strive for growth and do practical things to provide support for the residents and the people around us," said Qian Cheng, Party secretary of Tianlun Jincheng community in Beijing's Fengtai District.
"In addition to building the capital into a garden city, we also integrate the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature into our daily life and work. We hope to create a better environment for everyone," said Lin Qiaoling, a Party committee member in Caoqiao Village, Yuquanying Subdistrict in Fengtai District.
Encouraged by Xi, the environmental champions at the site pledged to actively engage in public welfare activities, joining forces to contribute to the building of a Beautiful China and making the country even greener.
"President Xi told us while we were watering the saplings that watering the trees is like nurturing us children. I will follow what President Xi said. I want to become a teacher to educate and nurture others, and sow the seeds for them to grow their talents," said Wang Nanbixuan, another student from the school.
"As a primary school student in the capital, I am committed to planting more trees, working harder, and adding more green spaces to make our capital even more beautiful," said Chang Yuyang, another student from the school.
"With the personal involvement and leadership of the general secretary, the greening efforts in the capital will reach a new level, and citizens will be able to more directly enjoy the results of ecological civilization development," said Ding.
"As the general secretary said, we will continue working, one generation after another, to improve the greening efforts for the people, and contribute our own strength to ecological preservation in the capital and the whole country," said Lin.
Planting trees with President Xi inspires new generation of environmental champions
