Houthis of Yemen Resume Attacks on Israeli Shipping Amid Gaza Tensions

Yemen’s Houthis will resume attacks on Israeli vessels after a calm period linked to the Gaza ceasefire. They cite solidarity with Palestine, having conducted over 100 attacks from November 2023, disrupting global shipping. The group’s leader warned of renewed assaults if Israel does not lift its blockade on Gaza aid. The situation escalated following President Trump’s terrorist designation of the Houthis.

On Tuesday, the Houthis of Yemen announced their intention to resume attacks on Israeli vessels traversing the Red and Arabian Seas, as well as the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. This cessation of calm, which began in January coinciding with the Gaza ceasefire, has now come to an end. Previously, the Houthis had engaged in over 100 attacks targeting shipping since November 2023, which they justified as acts of solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

During their campaign, the Houthis sunk two ships, seized another, and resulted in the deaths of at least four seafarers, severely disrupting global maritime trade. This forced shipping firms to alter their routes, opting for longer and costlier passages around the southern tip of Africa. On Friday, a Houthi leader warned that naval operations against Israeli vessels would resume if Israel did not lift its blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza within four days.

In summary, the Yemen-based Houthis have declared the resumption of hostilities against Israeli shipping following a period of relative peace. This move is influenced by ongoing tensions in Gaza and reflects the Houthis’ commitment to oppose Israel’s actions. The impact of such assaults on global shipping could lead to significant economic repercussions, as observed during their previous offensive.

Original Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae