Yemen’s Houthis will restart attacks on Israeli ships, resuming actions after a ceasefire linked to Gaza. Previously, over 100 attacks disrupted global shipping, leading to the sinking of vessels and fatalities. The group demands an end to Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. The U.S. has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization.
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi movement announced the resumption of attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red and Arabian seas, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. This decision marks the end of a period of relative calm that began with the Gaza ceasefire in January. Prior to this, the Houthis had conducted over 100 attacks against shipping, claiming it was in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
These prior offensive actions resulted in the sinking of two vessels, the seizure of another, and the fatalities of at least four seafarers. Such disruptions had significant implications for global shipping, compelling companies to redirect their ships to longer and costlier routes around southern Africa.
The leadership of the Houthis indicated that these naval operations against Israel would continue unless the Israeli government lifted its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza within four days. Following the blockade imposed by Israel on March 2, which halted aid truck entries into Gaza amidst rising tensions, the Houthis reiterated their stance.
Israel emphasized that its blockade would persist until aid crossings to Gaza are resumed. The U.S. State Department has responded to this situation by designating the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization,” a classification pushed for by former President Donald Trump in light of the group’s attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. warships in the critical maritime region.
The Houthis’ announcement to recommence naval attacks on Israeli ships highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly related to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Their past actions had severe repercussions for international shipping. Moreover, the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially influencing future diplomatic and military responses.
Original Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
