Barran Press
A large protest took place in Marib on Friday, condemning the U.S. administration's decision against Yemeni businessman Sheikh Hamid Al-Ahmar and nine of his companies. The demonstrators also denounced the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Following Friday prayers, protesters gathered outside Al-Adhban Mosque, chanting slogans against the occupation and its atrocities in Gaza, while holding banners illustrating the gravity of these crimes, according to a Barran Press correspondent.
A statement from the protest shared with Barran Press, urged the international community and international courts to "actively work to compel the occupation to cease its war against the Palestinian and Lebanese people." It noted that "the Palestinian people have paid, and continue to pay, a heavy price for freedom in the face of the massive destruction wielded by the entity supported by the global system."
The statement emphasized that "blame cannot be placed solely on the occupying entity; the global system itself must also be held accountable for perpetrating horrific massacres against civilians and providing cover and legitimacy for what is termed 'state terrorism' by Israel against the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance."
Moreover, the protesters regarded Israel as merely an advanced military base for the U.S. and the new global system, demanding that the U.S. administration swiftly declare an end to its support for the genocide faced by the people of Gaza and other occupied cities, and revoke its cover for the crimes of the occupation, which make Washington a "principal partner" in these acts.
The demonstrators also called upon international human rights organizations to address the blatant violations committed by the fascist entity, which exacerbate the tragedy and hinder the delivery of urgent aid to the besieged areas of Gaza. They stressed the need for accountability for ongoing violations visible to the world in Palestinian cities and in Lebanon, which is facing a new Zionist invasion in the Arab region.
The statement warned that "unless the Israeli occupation is deterred by international courts according to the demands of justice, the situation will inevitably become more complicated." It called on the Palestinian people to ignite confrontation and resist by all means until the aggression ends and the occupation is expelled.
Additionally, the Marib protest statement condemned the recent U.S. Treasury decision against Sheikh Hamid Al-Ahmar, a member of the Yemeni parliament and president of the Jerusalem Foundation, for his unwavering support for Palestinian resistance.
The statement asserted that Al-Ahmar's efforts align with the laws, positions, and commitments of the Yemeni government and people regarding the Palestinian cause, as well as with the principles outlined in the UN Charter and international law.
It held the U.S. administration responsible for its rejected and condemned decision and the potential harm to Sheikh Hamid Al-Ahmar and his business interests, urging state institutions to act promptly to defend him as a citizen of Yemen and a representative of the people who have fought under the banner of legitimacy for decades.
On October 7, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against Sheikh Hamid Al-Ahmar, nine of his companies, and three Arab businessmen for allegedly funding Hamas.
For nearly a year, Marib has witnessed solidarity events in support of the Palestinian people, rejecting the brutal war they face from Israeli forces, backed by unprecedented American and Western support.
These protests have seen participation from hundreds of citizens across various social and political sectors, as well as civil society organizations and students from universities and educational institutes.