Latest news with #MiriamTal
Yemen Online
24-07-2025
- Yemen Online
Yemen's War Pushes Women to the Streets
Sana'a — As Yemen's civil war grinds into its tenth year, the country's women are bearing the brunt of a conflict that has decimated livelihoods, shattered families, and left millions in desperate need. With male breadwinners either killed, displaced, or conscripted into armed groups, thousands of Yemeni women have been forced into begging to survive. In cities like Taiz, Aden, and Hudaydah, women—many from the marginalized Muhammasheen community—can be seen on street corners, clutching infants and pleading for food or money. Their plight reflects the collapse of Yemen's social safety net and the erosion of tribal protections that once offered limited shelter from exploitation. 'The war has stripped women of dignity,' said Huda Saif, a local activist. 'Begging is no longer a choice—it's a last resort.' According to humanitarian reports, incidents of harassment and gender-based violence against women beggars have surged, with many facing abuse from armed groups and local authorities. The lack of law enforcement and judicial oversight has created an environment of impunity, leaving victims without recourse. A Crisis of Survival The UN estimates that over 9.6 million women and girls in Yemen require urgent humanitarian assistance. Aid cuts and restricted access have worsened conditions, forcing many into dangerous coping mechanisms—including street begging, coerced labor, and early marriage. 'Women walk for hours under scorching heat to collect food rations,' said a spokesperson from Forgotten Women, a UK-based NGO. 'Some carry children in their arms, others return empty-handed.' In some cases, women-led households have resorted to selling personal belongings or engaging in informal labor markets, often under exploitative conditions. The rise in begging is not only a symptom of poverty but also a reflection of Yemen's fractured social fabric. Calls for Action Human rights organizations are urging international donors and the Yemeni government to prioritize gender-sensitive aid programs and restore safe spaces for women. Activists stress the need for legal reforms to protect vulnerable groups and ensure accountability for abuses. 'The women of Yemen are not just victims—they are survivors,' said Dr. Miriam Tal, a regional expert on gender and conflict. 'But without urgent intervention, their resilience may not be enough.'
Yemen Online
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Israel Opens Yemen Front Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Aden — Israel has officially designated Yemen as a new front in its military engagements, responding to recent missile attacks launched by Houthi forces targeting Israeli infrastructure. The announcement came hours after a series of ballistic missiles originating from Yemeni territory struck areas near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting temporary flight suspensions and heightened national alert. The Israeli Defense Ministry stated that the attacks signify 'a new strategic threat,' and that military operations against Houthi positions inside Yemen are already underway. 'Gaza and Yemen are now our primary fronts,' said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant in a televised briefing. 'We are preparing for a long-term confrontation, and we have a comprehensive target bank within the Yemeni theater.' In retaliation, Israeli drones conducted precision strikes on the port city of Hodeidah, a key logistics hub for the Houthis, aiming to degrade their economic and military capabilities. Israeli military sources indicated that further operations are being planned in coordination with regional intelligence. Strategic Implications Yemen marks a significant shift in its security doctrine, linking the Yemeni conflict to its wider confrontation with Iran. The Houthi movement, widely seen as an Iranian proxy, has intensified its military activities beyond the Arabian Peninsula, signaling a willingness to engage directly with Israel. 'The Houthis have made it clear that their ceasefire with the United States does not apply to Israel,' said Dr. Miriam Tal, senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. 'This opens a volatile new chapter in Middle Eastern dynamics.' Humanitarian Concerns International organizations have expressed concern over potential humanitarian fallout, especially in light of ongoing crises in Gaza and southern Lebanon. UN officials urged restraint and emphasized the need to avoid further destabilization in an already fragile region.
