Sana'a: Yemeni scholars expressed full support for the leadership's decisions to uphold the "blockade for blockade and escalation for escalation" policy, describing it as a legitimate and necessary right.
According to Yemen News Agency, the position was announced in a statement issued at the annual Yemeni Scholars Conference, held in Sana'a under the theme "Yemeni Scholars in Confronting Aggression and the Blockade," with broad participation from scholars representing various governorates.
The statement affirmed what it described as the legitimacy of confronting aggression, lifting the blockade, and defending the country, citing Quranic verses concerning self-defense and responding proportionately to aggression. The scholars called on the Yemeni people and the Islamic nation to strengthen unity, trust in Allah, and adherence to Islamic teachings. The statement also described Yemen's humanitarian suffering during more than 11 years of war and blockade, referring to extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and heavy human losses.
It urged public mobilization, heightened vigilance, support for security efforts, reinforcement of frontlines with personnel and resources, participation in military training programs, and rejection of cooperation with enemy forces. The statement also called on those aligned with opposing forces to reconsider their positions and return to what it described as the right path.
The scholars urged Saudi Arabia to end the blockade, occupation, and military operations in Yemen, describing this as the only path toward peace and good neighborly relations. They warned that any coalition against Yemen would be considered unjust aggression and said it would not deter Yemenis from pursuing what they described as their legitimate rights.
The statement reaffirmed that Palestine remains the central cause of the Muslim nation, reiterated support for Gaza and the Palestinian people, while condemning normalization with Israel and warning against regional initiatives it said threaten the Islamic world. It also expressed solidarity with Iran against U.S. and Israeli actions, with the Islamic resistance and people of Lebanon, and with Iraq's resistance, while opposing calls for disarmament in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iraq.
The scholars further rejected the presence of U.S. and foreign military bases in the region and criticized the use of Arab or Islamic territories as launch points for attacks on other countries. The statement condemned what it described as Saudi violations of Islamic sanctities, including allegations concerning the Kaaba's covering and activities in the vicinity of the Two Holy Mosques, calling for an investigation and condemnation by the Islamic world.
The conference concluded by congratulating the Yemeni people and the Islamic nation on the approaching anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, urging people to use the occasion to strengthen unity, awareness, and adherence to the Prophet's example.