Yemen’s Houthis Announce Resumption of Attacks on Israeli Shipping

Yemen’s Houthis will resume attacks on Israeli ships, citing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict and aftermath of Israel’s blockade on aid. The group previously launched over 100 attacks, disrupting global shipping. The U.S. has designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying economic pressures due to their maritime assaults.

The Houthis of Yemen have announced their intention to resume attacks on Israeli vessels navigating the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. This decision concludes a period of relative tranquility that began in January, coinciding with the Gaza ceasefire. The group has previously conducted over 100 attacks on shipping since November 2023, citing support for the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

In their operations, the Houthis claimed to have sunk two ships, captured another, and ultimately resulted in the deaths of at least four seafarers. These aggressive actions have caused significant disruptions to global shipping routes, compelling companies to adopt longer and costlier alternatives by rerouting around southern Africa. The leader of the Houthis explicitly warned that naval operations against Israel would recommence if the Israeli government did not lift its blockade on aid entering Gaza within a specified timeframe.

Following a standstill regarding aid entry into Gaza, Israel enforced a blockade on March 2, igniting increased tensions. Hamas called for intervention from Egyptian and Qatari mediators to resolve the situation. The Houthi group released a statement indicating their actions would continue until humanitarian aid could freely flow into the Gaza Strip, including food and medical supplies. They expressed that these actions were motivated by a profound sense of responsibility towards Palestinian citizens, aiming to prompt Israeli authorities to reopen crossings.

Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department reiterated the designation of the Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization. President Donald Trump had instituted this designation in January as part of a strategy to impose stricter economic sanctions in response to their attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. naval forces operating in that pivotal maritime region.

The announcement by Yemen’s Houthis to resume attacks on Israeli ships indicates a significant escalation in maritime hostilities that disrupts international shipping and highlights ongoing regional tensions. The group cites humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza as a primary motive for their actions, making clear their intent to pressure Israel to allow aid into the enclave. The situation remains precarious, with implications for global maritime security and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Original Source: www.begadistrictnews.com.au