The Iran-aligned Houthi militia in Yemen has extended an invitation to US students who faced suspension due to their participation in pro-Palestine protests, amid escalating tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. As demonstrations across American campuses continue to show solidarity with Palestinians, university administrations and law enforcement have taken firm action against protesting students. In response, the Houthis, known for their support of Gaza and disruption of global shipping routes, have offered educational opportunities to those students facing disciplinary measures in the US.
An official from Sanaa University, under Houthi control, expressed the group's commitment to supporting Palestinian causes and welcomed suspended American students to continue their education in Yemen. The university emphasized its appreciation for the humanitarian stance taken by these students and condemned what it described as the suppression of freedom of expression in US and European universities. Affected students were encouraged to reach out via a provided email address.
This move by the Houthis comes amidst recent designations of the group as a terrorist organization by both the US and Britain, citing their actions in the Red Sea region since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, the offer has generated mixed reactions, with some Yemenis expressing skepticism on social media. One user shared an image depicting Westerners chewing Qat, a popular Yemeni narcotic, suggesting it as a portrayal of American students at Sanaa University.
The offer from the Houthis follows a series of pro-Palestinian protests across numerous US college campuses, resulting in the arrest of over 2,000 individuals, including students. Incidents such as the dismantling of a fortified encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the arrest of over 90 students at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire have marked a crackdown on such demonstrations.
