Mass Friday Rallies in Sana’a Honor Hamas Leaders, Condemn Israeli Actions in Gaza and Somaliland

The Yemeni capital, Sana’a, and other provinces witnessed widespread public demonstrations and religious ceremonies on Friday, held in solidarity with Gaza and in condemnation of Israel’s regional policies.

Following a call from the “Committee for the Support of Al-Aqsa,” large crowds performed absentee prayers (Salat al-Gha’ib) in mosques for recently announced senior Hamas military leaders, including Muhammad Sinwar, Muhammad Shabana, and others. This religious observance was framed as an expression of honor for the “great martyrs” of Palestine and pride in their sacrifices.

Subsequently, participants poured into public squares and streets across multiple provinces. The rallies served a dual purpose: first, to denounce the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank; and second, to strongly condemn Israel’s recent statement of intent to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland.

A joint statement issued from the rallies framed the Israeli enemy’s move on Somaliland as an “aggressive step” and part of broader conspiracies against the Arab and Islamic world, aiming to establish a foothold in Somalia to target the region. The statement explicitly called on the Yemeni Armed Forces to consider any future “Israeli” presence in Somaliland a legitimate military target, characterizing it as a threat to regional security.

The statement also urged nations bordering the Red Sea and the broader Arab and Islamic world to take practical measures to prevent Israeli “violation” of Somalia and other Muslim countries. It reiterated unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their chosen resistance, vowing continued backing “until God grants clear victory.”

A recurring theme was criticism of perceived inaction by other Arab and Islamic regimes and populations. The statement suggested that this “state of acquiescence” encourages enemies to continue their crimes and reflects a crisis of faith and awareness within the nation.

The events concluded with calls to sustain mobilization activities, military training courses, armed tribal gatherings, and continued development of missile, air, and naval capabilities.