European Parliament asks EU to list Houthis as terror group

The European Parliament has urged the European Union to classify the Yemen-based Houthi group as a terror organization, citing the group's destructive attacks on Gulf states. Lead negotiator Hana Jalloul, representing the Socialist Democrats, expressed solidarity with the people of Yemen and the Gulf countries. The motion for a resolution, which calls for an asset freeze and travel ban on the Houthi movement, was adopted after weeks of negotiations.

The parliament emphasized the flagrant violations of international law and humanitarian law, as the attacks have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and displaced individuals. MEPs also condemned Iran's support for the Houthis and urged the disarmament of all Tehran-backed groups in the Middle East. Speaking at a debate on Tuesday, Jalloul called for broader sanctions and the inclusion of the Houthis in the EU terrorist list.

She highlighted the Houthi blockade of the Bab Al Mandeb strait, which has disrupted global food supplies. The EU foreign affairs and security policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stressed the need for all 27 EU states to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization. She also lamented the postponement of a summit between EU and Gulf Co-operation Council leaders, which had been scheduled in Riyadh.

The Muslim Brotherhood resolution, adopted by the European Parliament, calls for the European Commission to investigate all EU funds delivered to entities suspected of links with the Muslim Brotherhood, reflecting the EU's commitment to not allowing public money to be used for extremism and terrorism.