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British journalist Myriam Francois schools Yalda Hakim on live show

Hits back on attempts to justify the US-UK-led attacks on Yemen
British journalist Dr Myriam Francois responds to a query during The World With Yalda Hakim Show on Sky News on January 23, 2024. Screengrab via YouTube
British journalist Dr Myriam Francois responds to a query during The World With Yalda Hakim Show on Sky News on January 23, 2024. Screengrab via YouTube
British journalist Dr Myriam Francois responds to a query during The World With Yalda Hakim Show on Sky News on January 23, 2024. Screengrab via YouTube
British journalist Dr Myriam Francois responds to a query during The World With Yalda Hakim Show on Sky News on January 23, 2024. Screengrab via YouTube

British journalist Dr Myriam Francois has reminded Australian broadcaster Yalda Hakim that the United States and the United Kingdom were bombing Yemen, which has been under famine and supporting the Palestinian cause.

“Sorry to just let me get this straight Yalda. So, we are bombing one of the poorest countries in the world that has been under humanitarian blockade,” she said on The World With Yalda Hakim Show on Sky News on Tuesday.

American-British author Bill Browder was the other guest on the show.

Dr Francois was asked about criticism against the Biden administration over not acting proactively to avoid the disruption to the shipping line and hundreds of billions of dollars have been put at risk because the Houthis have held the area in Red Sea “at ransom”.

The British journalist started her response by presenting a background about Gaza and Yemen. She reminded the news anchor that there has been famine in Yemen and the US and the UK were bombing them because “a couple of guys in dinghies” support the Palestinians who are having genocide committed against them

“They are objecting to that and we are bombing them. Common now. I mean this is just insane for us to even think. I am so sorry your Amazon packages are delayed. I really am. Like I wish mine came on time.”

Dr Francois, who is also a filmmaker, went on to add that there are two mothers a day dying in Gaza. It’s 109 days into a conflict in which a humanitarian crisis has been declared to the world, she added.

When the host interrupted her by quoting Yemeni watchers that the strikes were doing wonders for Houthis’ branding, Dr Francois replied that a ceasefire should be called immediately to end the branding.

“If you want to stop the Houthis what they are doing then call a ceasefire right now,” she said.

Attacks by the Houthis on ships in the region since November have affected companies. The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians. Last week, the military carried out a strike in Yemen against “anti-ship ballistic missiles”.

When asked, she said that the Houthis have stated they were striking in support of Palestinians and not blocked the routes of ships in the past. She was of the view that the rebel group would end their strikes after a ceasefire.

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“The West needs to understand that you cannot just go around playing cowboys in the world. There are consequences to your actions. You cannot just go around bombing people’s countries, ignoring international law, and expect no repercussions,” Dr Francois said.

When the host said that the people resisting the war in Israel are proscribed terrorists, the journalist said that according to Western governments. She clarified that she is not a fan of Houthis, apart from when they are blockading in favour of a ceasefire.

Author Bill Browder was of the view that the rebel group was creating a trade blockade, causing inflation, but the journalist countered by saying that 25,000 people were killed in Gaza and over 60,000 injured with no access to food and water.

“How dare we have a conversation about trade when there are children right now being treated without anaesthetic? There are things that require us to make some sacrifices and this would be one of them.”

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