Yemen’s Houthis will resume attacks on Israeli ships, ending a period of calm linked to the Gaza ceasefire. This move follows over 100 previous assaults and a warning about the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The U.S. has designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, adding to the global shipping disruptions.
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthis announced the resumption of attacks on Israeli vessels traversing the Red and Arabian seas, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. This decision comes after a period of relative calm that began in January concurrent with the Gaza ceasefire.
The group previously executed over 100 assaults on shipping from November 2023, asserting that these actions were expressions of solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. During this campaign, they successfully sank two vessels, seized another, and caused the deaths of at least four seafarers, significantly impacting global shipping routes and leading to longer, more costly detours around southern Africa.
The Houthi leader issued a warning on Friday stating that naval operations against Israel would recommence if the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza was not lifted within a specified timeframe. Following the escalation of tensions surrounding the truce, Israel blocked the entry of aid on March 2, prompting Hamas to urge Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene.
The Houthis communicated that the blockade would persist until the crossings to Gaza reopen, permitting the entry of essential humanitarian supplies. The group indicated that this ban would take effect immediately.
In earlier developments, the U.S. State Department announced the designation of the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization” following President Donald Trump’s call to impose stricter economic sanctions in response to the group’s attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. warships in the Red Sea area. Trump had previously re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in January, exacerbating the situation.
Yemen’s Houthis plan to resume attacks on Israeli ships, marking a departure from recent calm. Motivated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, these attacks have the potential to disrupt global shipping significantly. The group’s announcement follows Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, further escalating tensions. The designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. reinforces the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding this conflict.
Original Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
