The conflict between the U.S. and the Houthis had intensified since March 15, 2025, under Operation Rough Rider, with over 1,000 Houthi sites targeted, resulting in significant casualties. Tensions escalated further following a Houthi missile landing near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni cities. The ceasefire announcement was welcomed by Qatar and Kuwait, signaling a potential shift towards regional stability.
However, the Houthis have made it clear that the ceasefire does not apply to their support for Hamas or attacks on Israel. Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat affirmed this stance on Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, stating that while they have agreed to halt disruptions of shipping, their support for Hamas and attacks on Israel will continue.
The United States had intensified its military campaign against the Houthis earlier this year in response to renewed threats against Israeli maritime interests. The ceasefire agreement aims to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties in the region. Human rights groups have raised concerns over civilian casualties in the recent U.S. strikes, including a suspected strike on a migrant center that reportedly killed 68 people.
While the ceasefire is a positive development, the situation remains complex. The Houthis' continued support for Hamas and attacks on Israel suggest that the path to lasting peace in the region will require further negotiations and cooperation among all parties involved. The international community will be closely monitoring the implementation of this ceasefire and its impact on regional dynamics.
