Yemen's Houthi group on Friday organized massive rallies to voice support for Palestinians after an Israel-Hamas peace deal took effect the same day, vowing to take actions if Israel and the United States fail to implement the ceasefire.
The truce, announced on Thursday, is the first step in a U.S.-backed 20-point peace plan. Under the initial phase of the cease-fire, Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of all hostages.
The rallies were also held to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and denounce Israel's military actions.
Senior Houthi official Mohammed Miftah, head of the group's administrative body, made a rare public appearance at the event and addressed the crowd. It was the first time in months that a top Houthi leader had spoken publicly at such an event.
"We congratulate the Palestinian people in general, particularly the people of Gaza and the heroes of the resistance for their great steadfastness," Miftah said in the rally.
Meanwhile, Houthi leaders also said that the group will closely monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and the development of the situation. They do not rule out the possibility of use of force if tensions escalate again.
"We will closely watch the implementation of the ceasefire terms. If the agreement is not implemented, we will act as we have before. We distrust that Israel and the United States will honor the deal.We will respond according to how the situation develops," said Hasan Sharafeddin, a senior Houthi official.
According to organizers, Friday's rally could be the final one to show support for Palestine if the ceasefire holds.
Yemen's Houthis vow actions if Israel, US fail to implement Gaza ceasefire
Yemen's Houthis vow actions if Israel, US fail to implement Gaza ceasefire
Yemen's Houthis vow actions if Israel, US fail to implement Gaza ceasefire
Russian and Kenyan experts have hailed China's Central Economic Work Conference as a pivotal moment in shaping China's economic future, with its resilience offering a stabilizing force for the global market.
Their comments followed the annual Central Economic Work Conference, held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the conference, in which he reviewed the country's economic work in 2025, analyzed the current economic situation, and arranged next year's economic work.
Vasily Kashin, director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the HSE University, emphasized the significance of the meeting.
"This conference is of great significance. It is not only related to the assessment of China's current economic situation, but also outlined the priorities for the future, including the next five-year plan. There has been a renewed emphasis on the significant role of new quality productive forces, new growth points, and sci-tech development. This economic work conference places a greater emphasis on action. The content of the meeting covers various economic indicators that China hopes to achieve in the near future and involves a series of specific measures aimed at optimizing economic quality and ensuring sustainable development," he said.
Kashin said China's economic progress reflects a shift towards high-tech, sustainable industries and environmental improvements.
"The achievements of China's economy are primarily related to the changes in the export structure and the sources of growth. Enterprises in the high-tech, digital economy, and renewable energy fields are playing an increasingly important role. Their product exports are on the rise, which include electrical transportation equipment, latest types of vehicles, and complex industrial equipment. This is a very important achievement. China has also carried out a great deal of work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing the ecological environment, and raising ecological standards. These are the main achievements China has made so far," said Kashin.
Meanwhile, James Shikwati, a Kenyan economist and director of the Inter-Region Economic Network, hailed China's economic resilience over the past five years.
"China's show of economic resilience for the last five years has given the global economic sector a stabilizing factor, because right now, as you speak, many countries are in panic mode because of protectionism that is rising, especially in developed economies such as the U.S. and Europe. And China has been showing this steadiness that its economy is able to withstand those shocks, and by showing that it can withstand those shocks, it gives hope to other economies, especially from the Global South, that have always heavily dependent on Western economies," said Shikwati.
Shikwati added that China's openness to new markets offers opportunities for developing countries worldwide.
"China's opening up to the world, what it is doing is offering an alternative platform, not necessarily stopping people from the old platform, but simply creating what I'll call some kind of fresh air in the global market system, so that countries, especially from the Global South, can access its markets," he said.
Int'l experts hail China's economic resilience with high-quality development
