The Houthis, a Yemeni armed group, announced the death of their Chief of Staff, Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari, who was described as one of the group’s most senior military officials. According to the Houthis, al-Ghamari was killed “while fulfilling his duties.”
Following the Houthi statement on Thursday, Israel claimed responsibility for the killing, with Defence Minister Israel Katz stating that al-Ghamari was targeted in an Israeli strike. The Houthis, in response, asserted that their conflict with Israel has not concluded, and they warned that Israel will face “deterrent punishment” for its actions.
In August, Israel reported carrying out air strikes on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, targeting senior figures from the Houthis, including al-Ghamari. These attacks resulted in the death of the prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi-run government and several other ministers.
On Thursday, Katz confirmed the attack on al-Ghamari via social media, adding that Israel would take similar action against any future threats. Al-Ghamari’s death occurred six days into a fragile US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This truce has temporarily halted Israel’s two-year war on Gaza, which has led to nearly 68,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel faces accusations from human rights organizations and a UN Commission of Inquiry of committing genocide in Gaza.
Since Israel began its campaign in October 2023, the Houthis have conducted drone and missile attacks on Israel, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians. The group has also targeted vessels in the Red Sea. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched attacks on Houthi sites in Yemen.
In a statement announcing al-Ghamari’s death, the Houthis condemned repeated “brutal” attacks by Israel on Yemeni civilians, residential areas, and infrastructure, describing them as acts met with “patience, strength, steadfastness, and resilience.” The group highlighted the military operations carried out by Yemen’s armed forces as significant victories, crediting them to the “support, guidance, and sacrifice” of fighters like al-Ghamari.
The Houthis stated that they have conducted 758 military operations using 1,835 munitions, including drones and missiles, during their campaign. Israeli airstrikes on Yemen have been frequent and often devastating, targeting critical infrastructure such as the main international airport and resulting in multiple casualties.
Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis, praised al-Ghamari’s contributions to Yemen’s military efforts in support of Gaza. In a televised address, he described the armed forces’ leadership as having offered themselves as “sacrifices to God” in a demonstration of resistance. He also criticized US attempts to “isolate” the Palestinian people.
Al-Houthi emphasized that, following al-Ghamari’s death, current and future leaders would continue the group’s mission. Last week, after the Gaza ceasefire was announced, he stated that the Houthis would monitor Israel’s compliance with the agreement and resume their support for Gaza if necessary.
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