The Houthis have resumed a naval blockade on Israeli ships after Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Houthi officials have declared intentions to target Israeli vessels until aid access to Gaza is restored. The U.S. has begun rallying allies to respond to threats to navigation, reflecting the escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.
In a recent announcement, the Houthi-led government in Yemen has reinstated a naval blockade on Israeli ships navigating Yemen’s waterways. This decision comes after the deadline set for Israel to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza expired. The blockade, as confirmed by Houthi spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, now encompasses Yemen’s Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi had imposed a four-day ultimatum on March 8, demanding that aid be permitted into the besieged Gaza Strip. After the first phase of a ceasefire concluded on March 2, Israel reimposed a total blockade, preventing vital supplies from entering Gaza and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis within the territory. The situation worsened on Sunday as Israel also terminated electricity supply to Gaza, further impacting water availability.
Given Israel’s tightened blockade and the lapsed ultimatum, the Houthis reiterated their commitment to military action against Israeli interests. Saree warned, “Any Israeli ship attempting to break this blockade will be targeted in the declared operational area.” This blockade will persist until crossings to Gaza are reopened for humanitarian assistance.
The Houthis initiated their campaign against what they claim are Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians following Israel’s operations in Gaza starting October 7. They have executed numerous attacks on shipping vessels, leading to a significant decrease in merchant traffic, particularly affecting the Israeli port of Eilat and disrupting the Egyptian Suez Canal.
In light of these developments, retaliatory actions from the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel have included missile strikes against Houthi positions; however, such measures have had limited success in deterring the group. Reports indicate heightened alertness of the Israeli army for potential missile attacks from Yemen.
The United States is actively engaging with regional allies to forge a coordinated response to the Houthi threats to vital shipping lanes. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address these navigation threats and their implications for global commerce.
In support of the Houthi blockade, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad has expressed gratitude, viewing it as a crucial step in pressuring Israel to reopen crossings for humanitarian assistance. They commended the Yemeni people’s solidarity with the Palestinians and called upon other Arab and Islamic nations to adopt similar supportive actions.
The resumption of the Houthi blockade on Israeli ships signifies a significant escalation in tensions during an already critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Houthis reaffirm their stance against Israeli actions, while international efforts, particularly from the United States, aim to mitigate the situation. The unfolding scenario underscores the complexity of regional dynamics and the pressing need for humanitarian access to Gaza amidst ongoing military confrontations.
Original Source: www.dropsitenews.com
