Yemen’s Houthis Resume Attacks on Israeli Ships Amid Humanitarian Aid Blockade

The Yemeni Houthi movement has resumed attacks on Israeli-connected ships after a warning regarding a blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza. Over 100 assaults since November have resulted in significant damages and fatalities, aggravating global shipping routes. The United States has reiterated its designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, reflecting rising tensions in the Middle East.

The Houthi movement in Yemen has declared the resumption of assaults on Israeli-affiliated vessels within key maritime regions such as the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. This aggressive action marks the end of a period of relative calm that had been observed since January following a ceasefire regarding Gaza.

Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have executed over 100 attacks on commercial shipping, defending these operations as acts of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Their series of attacks has led to the sinking of two vessels, the seizure of another one, and the fatalities of a minimum of four seafarers, prompting global shipping companies to adopt longer and more expensive routing around southern Africa.

The escalation in hostilities comes after a warning from the Houthi leader, who indicated that naval operations would recommence unless Israel lifted its blockade on humanitarian aid destined for Gaza within a plain four-day ultimatum. On March 2, Israel had blocked aid trucks, exacerbating the already tense situation regarding the ceasefire. In response, Hamas has called upon Egyptian and Qatari mediators for intervention.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Houthis confirmed that a blockade on Israeli-linked vessels would be immediate, stating, “This ban will remain in effect until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, is allowed to enter.” Meanwhile, the United States has reiterated its designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), a classification that was reestablished in January by the State Department to impose more stringent economic sanctions on the group due to their attacks on international shipping and U.S. warships in the area.

These rekindled assaults by the Houthis signify an increase in instability throughout the Middle East, raising alarms surrounding the security of essential global trade routes and further straining relationships among regional and international entities.

The announcement from the Yemeni Houthis to resume attacks on Israeli ships reflects a significant shift in regional dynamics following a ceasefire. Their actions underscore ongoing tensions within the Gaza conflict and illustrate the potential risks posed to international shipping. The reaffirmation of the United States’ designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization compounds the complexities of the situation, indicating heightened risks to maritime safety and regional stability.

Original Source: www.arise.tv