Tens of thousands protested in Iran and Yemen on September 27, 2024, condemning Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza. Iranian authorities called for demonstrations in support of Hezbollah, leading to widespread displays of solidarity across various cities, while Houthis in Yemen organized significant gatherings. These protests occurred amid heightened violence due to ongoing conflicts triggered by Hamas’ attacks on Israel.
On September 27, 2024, massive protests erupted in Iranian cities and the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital in condemnation of Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza. According to reports from AFP and state media, tens of thousands participated in demonstrations that were ignited by a government call in Iran for solidarity with Hezbollah and to denounce the “barbaric crimes of the Zionist regime in Palestine,” as stated by the official IRNA news agency. Hezbollah, a prominent component of the Iran-aligned “axis of resistance” in the region, aims to support Palestinian groups like Hamas against Israel. In Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, extensive demonstrations were organized by the Houthi rebels, who had recently launched a missile towards Israel, engaging tens of thousands of supporters. Following Friday prayers in Tehran, demonstrators gathered around Enghelab Square, brandishing portraits of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah alongside flags representing Hezbollah and Palestine. The crowds chanted slogans such as “Israel is destroyed. Lebanon is victorious,” while expressing outrage at what they described as a “bloodbath in Lebanon” and burning Israeli and U.S. flags. Various locations across Iran, including Semnan, Qom, and Shiraz, witnessed similar displays of support during coordinated protests shown on state television. In Yemen, the Houthi supporters vocally expressed their solidarity with Lebanon, with Mortada al-Mutawkil asserting, “We say to our brothers in Lebanon that you will be victorious, God willing,” and another demonstrator, Mohammed Mushki, reaffirming Yemeni solidarity until ultimate victory alongside the Lebanese and Palestinian people. Meanwhile, in Bahrain—an Israeli ally that closely monitors dissent—protests were also reported, where hundreds marched in support of Gaza and Lebanon, calling for the cessation of normalization with Israel. Demonstrators lit banners emphasizing their opposition to ongoing military actions. The escalation of violence emerged following the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, resulting in an ongoing conflict marked by retaliatory airstrikes and border clashes, with recent Israeli operations against Lebanon marking the most intense violence witnessed in decades, exceeding even the uprisings seen during Lebanon’s civil war between 1975 and 1990. Amidst these developments, analysts have noted Iran’s precarious position in supporting Hezbollah while avoiding an overt conflict that could lead to greater regional instability.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have led to significant escalations following Hamas’ attacks on Israel. The Iranian government has been vocal in its support for Hezbollah, utilizing protests to galvanize support and bolster perceived solidarity within the region. The rise in violent conflicts, particularly in Lebanon, poses significant risks to regional stability and calls for international attention to the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.
In conclusion, the large-scale protests in Iran and Yemen reflect widespread outrage against Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, underscoring the complex dynamics within the region involving various armed groups aligned with Iran. The expressions of solidarity from participants in these protests indicate a united front against perceived aggression while highlighting the potential for escalating violence. The situation remains fluid, and its ramifications are likely to impact further developments in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
