A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. The 19-year-old Rashed Al-Haddad, who lives in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa has been dubbed as "Tim-Huthi Chalamet" by netizens as he looks like "Wonka" star Timothee Chalamet.

"I received many offers to participate in fashion shows and advertisements, but I decided to take advantage of this fame for the Palestinian cause," the so-called influencer was quoted as saying by AFP.

Rashed Al-Haddad has so far made the most out of the crisis in the West Asian region, boosting his reach on social media through making a crazy popular video shot aboard Galaxy Leader, the Israel-linked cargo ship that was captured in November.

The Houthi rebels have disrupted the global shipping routes by waging relentless attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, causing companies to opt for longer and costlier alternative around South Africa. These actions have led the US to declare Houthis a terrorist organisation and an international coalition led by the US and UK to launch strikes in Yemen.

With increased international attention on Yemen, Rashed too witnessed a drastic rise in his popularity and user engagement on social media.

“When I started on TikTok, I posted videos of the ship (Galaxy Leader) that was seized by the Yemenis. When I posted the video clips, they reached millions of views within four days," he told AFP in Sanaa, wearing a combat belt with a rifle slung across his lap.

Support for what most Western nations see as ‘terrorism’ led TikTok to delete his account permanently. He was also deplatformed from Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta, for violating their hate speech guidelines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0niDKC1J6uzLwuYiWrC8Ng" data-ved="2ahUKEwiIg5eZkfuDAxVS7zgGHetQDe0QxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-conduct-fresh-series-of-air-strikes-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-682642" jsname="YKoRaf">US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen</a>

"Three of my TikTok accounts were banned as well, but I have created new accounts, and thankfully, the number of followers is increasing," Haddad added.

He said he was happy to have connected with many westerners, who followed his accounts across social media platforms.

Watch:&nbsp;Houthis order UN staff from US, UK to leave Yemen in a month

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"I'm not thinking of becoming famous because I'm handsome in order to do advertisements or to be an actor,” he said, while shrugging off comparisons with Hollywood's Chalamet.

(With inputs from agencies)

A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels.

A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. The 19-year-old Rashed Al-Haddad, who lives in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa has been dubbed as "Tim-Huthi Chalamet" by netizens as he looks like "Wonka" star Timothee Chalamet. "I received many offers to participate in fashion shows and advertisements, but I decided to take advantage of this fame for the Palestinian cause," the so-called influencer was quoted as saying by AFP. Rashed Al-Haddad has so far made the most out of the crisis in the West Asian region, boosting his reach on social media through making a crazy popular video shot aboard Galaxy Leader, the Israel-linked cargo ship that was captured in November. The Houthi rebels have disrupted the global shipping routes by waging relentless attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, causing companies to opt for longer and costlier alternative around South Africa. These actions have led the US to declare Houthis a terrorist organisation and an international coalition led by the US and UK to launch strikes in Yemen. With increased international attention on Yemen, Rashed too witnessed a drastic rise in his popularity and user engagement on social media. “When I started on TikTok, I posted videos of the ship (Galaxy Leader) that was seized by the Yemenis. When I posted the video clips, they reached millions of views within four days," he told AFP in Sanaa, wearing a combat belt with a rifle slung across his lap. Support for what most Western nations see as ‘terrorism’ led TikTok to delete his account permanently. He was also deplatformed from Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta, for violating their hate speech guidelines. Also read: US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen "Three of my TikTok accounts were banned as well, but I have created new accounts, and thankfully, the number of followers is increasing," Haddad added. He said he was happy to have connected with many westerners, who followed his accounts across social media platforms. Watch: Houthis order UN staff from US, UK to leave Yemen in a month × "I'm not thinking of becoming famous because I'm handsome in order to do advertisements or to be an actor,” he said, while shrugging off comparisons with Hollywood's Chalamet. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Tim-Houthi Chalamet,’ 19-year-old becomes TikTok sensation for romanticising Red Sea attacks

Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia and a deteriorating situation in Gaza, a delegation of Arab Islamic Foreign Ministers is set to visit Delhi this week. The delegation is expected to include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki.&nbsp;

The primary agenda for the foreign minister's visit is to engage in discussions concerning the ongoing crisis in West Asia. They will be holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The delegation was earlier in China &amp; is expected to travel to other global capitals as well.&nbsp;

Since the Oct&nbsp;7&nbsp;attack by Hamas, resulting in the death of 1,200 Israelis as per officials, Israel has responded with major retaliation, reportedly killing over 13,000 Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-families-demand-answers-from-netanyahu-over-hostage-situation-stop-talking-about-killing-arabs-661043">Israeli families demand answers from Netanyahu over hostage situation: 'Stop talking about killing Arabs'</a>

Watch:&nbsp;Russia's Putin to take part in virtual BRICS summit on Gaza&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-says-close-to-reaching-truce-deal-with-israel-amid-war-660989">Hamas chief says 'close to reaching' truce deal with Israel amid war</a>

India has welcomed international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. New Delhi has condemned the Oct 7&nbsp;attack, pointing to its policy to oppose terrorism in all its forms but also advocated adherence to international humanitarian law. It has also called for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages who are in Hamas custody.

In a tangible display of solidarity, New Delhi has dispatched humanitarian aid to Palestine, delivering 70 tonnes of disaster relief materials, including 17 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two instalments.

India's overarching policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores the advocacy for direct negotiations with the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders, coexisting in peace with Israel.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia and a deteriorating situation in Gaza, a delegation of Arab Islamic Foreign Ministers is set to visit Delhi this week. The delegation is expected to include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki.

Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia and a deteriorating situation in Gaza, a delegation of Arab Islamic Foreign Ministers is set to visit Delhi this week. The delegation is expected to include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki. The primary agenda for the foreign minister's visit is to engage in discussions concerning the ongoing crisis in West Asia. They will be holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The delegation was earlier in China & is expected to travel to other global capitals as well. Since the Oct 7 attack by Hamas, resulting in the death of 1,200 Israelis as per officials, Israel has responded with major retaliation, reportedly killing over 13,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Also read: Israeli families demand answers from Netanyahu over hostage situation: 'Stop talking about killing Arabs' Watch: Russia's Putin to take part in virtual BRICS summit on Gaza × Also read: Hamas chief says 'close to reaching' truce deal with Israel amid war India has welcomed international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. New Delhi has condemned the Oct 7 attack, pointing to its policy to oppose terrorism in all its forms but also advocated adherence to international humanitarian law. It has also called for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages who are in Hamas custody. In a tangible display of solidarity, New Delhi has dispatched humanitarian aid to Palestine, delivering 70 tonnes of disaster relief materials, including 17 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two instalments. India's overarching policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores the advocacy for direct negotiations with the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders, coexisting in peace with Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid West Asia crisis, Arab and Islamic foreign ministers' delegation to visit New Delhi

From losses in the stock market to a spike in oil markets. The US operation to kill an Iranian General could trigger fresh troubles from India. Palki Sharma tells you how tensions in West Asia could have a major impact on India. #Gravitas #WestAsiaCrisis #SoleimaniKilling

Gravitas: West Asia Crisis: How a conflict would hurt India

Gravitas: West Asia Crisis — How a conflict would hurt India?

The West Asia Post: Exclusive conversation with Anil Trigunayat

In a move that signals that the ongoing diplomatic standoff involving Qatar and other Arab states will only worsen, the four Arab states led by Saudi Arabia pledged new political, economic and legal steps against Qatar declaring the earlier set of 13 demands as void.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE met in Cairo and discussed the new set of measures against Doha. They said that Qatar&#39;s refusal to comply with the initial set of 13 demands is proof that the gas-rich nation has links with terror groups.

However, the anti-Qatar coalition led by Saudi Arabia did not elaborate as to when the new measures will come into force.&nbsp;

The four Aarb states condemned Doha&#39;s response as &quot;negative&quot; and lacking in content, Reuters reported.

The United States has expressed concern that the ongoing dispute between Qatar and the Arab states could drag for months or possibly even intensify.&nbsp;

Speaking about the rift between Qatar on one side and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other, state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, &quot;We remain very concerned about that ongoing situation between Qatar and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.&quot;

&quot;We&#39;ve become increasingly concerned that that dispute is at an impasse at this point. We believe that this could potentially drag on for weeks. It could drag on for months. It could possibly even intensify,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

According to a report, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson is planning to visit Kuwait which is acting as a mediator in the dispute. US defence secretary Jim Mattis had a phone conversation with his Qatari counterpart stressing the &quot;importance of de-escalating tensions&quot;, Reuters quoted the Pentagon as saying. &nbsp;

Mattis also reaffirmed America&#39;s startegic security partnership with Qatar. Qatar is one of the important allies of US in the fight against the Islamic State as it hosts the largest US air force base in the entire region from where anti-IS raids are launched. &nbsp;

The rift started last month in June when the four Arab states broke diplomatic ties with the gas-rch nation, which is also a close US-ally in West Asia, alleging that it has links with terror groups. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE met in Cairo and discussed the new set of measures against Doha

In a move that signals that the ongoing diplomatic standoff involving Qatar and other Arab states will only worsen, the four Arab states led by Saudi Arabia pledged new political, economic and legal steps against Qatar declaring the earlier set of 13 demands as void. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE met in Cairo and discussed the new set of measures against Doha. They said that Qatar's refusal to comply with the initial set of 13 demands is proof that the gas-rich nation has links with terror groups. However, the anti-Qatar coalition led by Saudi Arabia did not elaborate as to when the new measures will come into force. The four Aarb states condemned Doha's response as "negative" and lacking in content, Reuters reported. The United States has expressed concern that the ongoing dispute between Qatar and the Arab states could drag for months or possibly even intensify. Speaking about the rift between Qatar on one side and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other, state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, "We remain very concerned about that ongoing situation between Qatar and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries." "We've become increasingly concerned that that dispute is at an impasse at this point. We believe that this could potentially drag on for weeks. It could drag on for months. It could possibly even intensify," she added. According to a report, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson is planning to visit Kuwait which is acting as a mediator in the dispute. US defence secretary Jim Mattis had a phone conversation with his Qatari counterpart stressing the "importance of de-escalating tensions", Reuters quoted the Pentagon as saying. Mattis also reaffirmed America's startegic security partnership with Qatar. Qatar is one of the important allies of US in the fight against the Islamic State as it hosts the largest US air force base in the entire region from where anti-IS raids are launched. The rift started last month in June when the four Arab states broke diplomatic ties with the gas-rch nation, which is also a close US-ally in West Asia, alleging that it has links with terror groups.

US fears rift involving Qatar & Arab states could intensify

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