Tens of thousands protested in Iran and Yemen against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, showing solidarity with Hezbollah. Demonstrators voiced strong messages condemning the violence while expressing unwavering support for Lebanon and Palestine amidst rising tensions in the region.
On Friday, tens of thousands of individuals demonstrated across various Iranian cities and the rebel-controlled Yemeni capital, Sanaa, to denounce the recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza. The protests were organized in response to a call from Iranian authorities, who sought to show solidarity with Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned group in Lebanon, while condemning the purported crimes committed by the “Zionist regime” against the Palestinian people, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. The demonstrations included participants waving flags and holding portraits of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Protesters voiced their sentiments that “Israel is destroyed. Lebanon is victorious,” while expressing their outrage over what they described as a “bloodbath in Lebanon.” In addition, demonstrators engaged in the symbolic act of burning Israeli and American flags. Coverage from state television highlighted similar gatherings across various cities, including Semnan and Qom. In Yemen, where the Iran-backed Huthis have maintained control for nearly a decade, a large-scale rally took place in the capital, attended by supporters who exhibited their solidarity with Lebanon. Among the protesters, Mortada al-Mutawkil conveyed a message of assurance to the Lebanese, stating, “We say to our brothers in Lebanon that you will be victorious, God willing.” Another participant, Mohammed Mushki, affirmed, “No matter how long the war lasts and no matter how big it is, we are on their side, all the Yemeni people, on the side of the Lebanese and Palestinian people until victory, God willing.” In Bahrain, where public dissent is monitored closely, reports mentioned several protests condemning the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, with demonstrators in a northern village expressing solidarity with the victims and calling for an end to the normalization of relations with Israel.
The current turmoil stems from escalating hostilities that began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, leading to a significant response from the Israeli government. This conflict has exacerbated tensions in the region, particularly between Iran and its allied militant groups, such as Hezbollah, and Israel. The recent flare-up has resulted in fatalities on both sides, with Israeli airstrikes targeting locations in Lebanon. Analysts suggest that Iran is carefully navigating its involvement to support its allies without directly engaging in a broader conflict, which could serve the interests of its adversaries.
In summary, recent protests in Iran and Yemen reflect widespread condemnation of Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza, emphasizing the solidarity among Iranian and Yemeni groups aligned against Israel. The gatherings signify a significant mobilization in response to rising tensions in the region, with protesters expressing unwavering support for the Lebanese and Palestinian struggles. The potential for further escalation remains a critical concern, particularly as regional powers continue to engage in proxy conflicts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
