Yesterday in Yemen, the holy month of Ramadan started, which made me remember the last Ramadan. Back then, the major parties agreed on a peace deal for initially two months, which then had been extended twice. However, in early October, the parties failed to agree on a renewed peace deal, crushing all hope for a comprehensive and longer lasting truce. Though fightings on the ground continued throughout the six-month truce in Mahrib, Hodeidah, Taiz, Sadaa, etc., major bombings by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition ceased. However, one year on and nothing has changed in Yemen. There is still a land, air, sea blockade on the country crippling the economy, and starving its people [UNSCR2216 Yemen]. Yemeni people cannot access health care to receive adequate treatment abroad. In 8 years of war, the country has become the land of the crippled, disabled. The Saudi Arabia-led air raids, unexploded ordnances, and myriads of landmines planted in north-western Yemen have cost innumerable lives or left them without limbs, hopeless and dependent.

Many people are deceived by the international narrative that the Houthis are supported and controlled by Iran and that Iran is their patron. Hence, the expectation is that the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia would benefit Yemen. However, this is far from the truth, as the Houthis are independent and do not take orders from Iran; neither are they being supplied weapons by Iran. The narrative of “Iran-backed Houthis” had been designed by Saudi Arabia only for the purpose of having the unconditional support of the Anglo-American alliance and for geopolitical purposes.

My thoughts are with the people of Yemen. It is saddening that no comprehensive and lasting peace deal has been achieved this Ramadan.

Let us not forget our sisters and brothers in Palestine, who have been struggling under the apartheid regime for more than 70 years. This Ramadan, when breaking your fast, make sure you do it with rightfully Palestinian dates. Check the label!

And remember Al Quds Day – on the last Friday of Ramadan.