Threats and invitations: Houthis send mixed signals on Yemen peace

Yemen's Houthi rebels are sending mixed signals about peace in the ongoing conflict. The Iran-backed group is demanding that Saudi Arabia fulfill past agreements while simultaneously threatening other nations that may join the Saudi military campaign. Houthi spokesman Mohammad Abdulsalam criticized Saudi Arabia for not honoring previous agreements and delaying their response to proposed peace talks during a recent post on X. He claimed the Houthis communicated with Saudi Arabia both directly and indirectly in June, presenting over one proposal to advance the peace process but were disappointed by a lack of progress.

The phrase "Al Aqsa Flood" refers to a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken to Gaza, followed by a two-year Israeli war that has killed over 74,300 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands injured.

However, Houthi politburo member Mohammed Al Bukhaiti expressed openness to ending the war during an interview with Qatar-based Al Arabi Television. He stated that the militia is willing to engage in mediation, whether Arab or Islamic, to achieve peace, which includes ending the conflict and the blockade from all sides, including Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

At the same time, the Houthi leadership continued to threaten any country that enters the war alongside Saudi Arabia. Egypt is the latest to express interest in providing assistance to Saudi Arabia, with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi requesting an emergency parliament session to authorize military support. The vote has not yet taken place, but approval could significantly escalate the conflict.

Critics are skeptical about the Houthi apparent shift towards peace, arguing that the rebels often welcome mediation when they face military pressure and heavy losses, but revert to their aggressive tactics once a ceasefire is reached.