The Houthis have issued a four-day ultimatum to Israel to lift its Gaza aid blockade or face renewed naval attacks. This follows their history of naval operations that significantly impacted global shipping. Their threats emphasize ongoing tensions in the region and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Yemen’s Houthi leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, announced a four-day ultimatum for Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Failure to comply would lead the Houthis to resume naval operations against Israel. This declaration follows over 100 maritime attacks against shipping that the group conducted in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which resulted in significant disruptions to global shipping routes.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have engaged in hostile actions, claiming they were part of a broader support for Palestinians during Israel’s war with Hamas. Their operations involved sinking two vessels, capturing another, and resulting in the deaths of several seafarers, prompting businesses to seek alternative routes to avoid these waters.
“We will give a deadline for four days. This deadline is for the (Gaza ceasefire) mediators for their efforts,” stated al-Houthi. His remarks underline the urgency of resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He warned that if Israel continued to impede aid delivery after the deadline, they would escalate their military operations against Israel.
On March 2, 2023, amid heightened tensions, Israel blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza, which has intensified calls for intervention from mediators such as Egypt and Qatar. The Houthis, who maintain significant control over Yemen, have also threatened military action should the United States and Israel attempt to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza.
In summary, the Houthis demand Israel lift its blockade on Gaza within four days or face resumed naval operations. Their past aggressive actions have already disrupted global shipping, and threats to escalate military activities highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful of the developments and the humanitarian implications.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
