Unveiling the ‘Crime of the Century’: How U.S. Support Fueled Israel’s Actions in Gaza
In a recent televised address commemorating the second anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi expressed Yemen’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The situation has escalated to catastrophic levels, with significant losses reported among the civilian population due to the relentless Israeli military actions.
Al-Houthi highlighted the staggering impact of the Gaza war, asserting that the Israeli regime, backed by the United States, has inflicted casualties on approximately 11 percent of Gaza’s population. This alarming statistic marks a grim milestone in contemporary conflict.
In his address, he pointed to the extensive destruction wrought by the conflict, including:
- Over 1,000 mosques demolished
- 95 percent of schools rendered unusable
- Destruction of around 40 cemeteries
- The theft of more than 2,000 bodies
He condemned these acts as the “crime of the century,” reflecting a deep concern for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Al-Houthi vehemently criticized the targeted attacks on journalists, aid workers, and civil defense personnel, emphasizing that the Zionist regime has shown unparalleled brutality towards every segment of Gaza’s population. He stated, “The Zionist regime has committed unprecedented crimes by deliberately killing children and women, by starving the people of Gaza to the point where powdered milk was placed on the list of prohibited items, and by keeping the people thirsty by destroying water sources and health networks.”
Addressing the historical context, he remarked on the ongoing Israeli aggression since the occupation of Palestine began. “For two full years, we have witnessed the Israeli regime’s genocide against the people of Gaza using the deadliest weapons, including American bombs, whose primary targets have been civilians,” he noted, underscoring the tragic toll of this conflict.
Al-Houthi characterized Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as a pivotal moment in the struggle of the Palestinian people, describing it as “a natural response to the 75 years of crimes of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people.” He stressed that prior to this operation, there was a concerted effort by enemies to erase the Palestinian issue completely.
He warned of the broader implications of the Zionist project in the region, asserting it aims to:
- Destroy the dignity of regional nations
- Undermine their independence
- Erase their identity
Furthermore, he claimed this agenda seeks to force the people of the region to serve the interests of both America and the Israeli regime.
The concept of “Greater Israel” has been a contentious topic since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, encompassing territories occupied by Israel, such as East al-Quds, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and Syria’s Golan Heights. Early Zionist theorists, including Ze’ev Jabotinsky, envisioned an expanded Israel that even included parts of present-day Jordan, a notion that has become foundational to the political ideology of the Likud party.
On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a large-scale military operation in Gaza, following a remarkable offensive by Gaza’s resistance fighters who infiltrated Israeli bases and captured numerous soldiers. Since then, the violence has taken a devastating toll, with reports indicating that over 67,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, with calls for humanitarian intervention and support for the Palestinian cause growing louder. Al-Houthi’s remarks resonate with many who advocate for justice and peace in the region, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to end the suffering experienced by the people of Gaza.
In conclusion, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the history of conflict and the recent escalation of violence, remains a critical issue that demands attention and action from global leaders. The plight of the Palestinian people continues to be a focal point for discussions on human rights and international law.
