Yemen’s Houthi group announced it would resume targeting Israeli ships after a four-day deadline for humanitarian aid to Gaza expired. The group has reaffirmed its military readiness, threatening to attack any Israeli ships in designated waters. This development reflects ongoing tensions following Israel’s blockade of aid and has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. International scrutiny of Israel’s military actions continues to grow, amid allegations of war crimes.
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi group announced a resumption of attacks on Israeli ships following the expiration of a four-day deadline set for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to Gaza. This announcement was made by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree during a televised address on his X account. Hours prior, the Houthis convened to discuss the ultimatum with an emphasis on readiness to strike Israeli vessels if aid did not reach Gaza by the deadline.
The Houthi leadership, represented by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, reaffirmed its forces’ preparedness to act against Israel immediately after the deadline expired. The armed forces declared a ban on all Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, emphasizing that these restrictions would remain until Gaza’s crossings were reopened to allow humanitarian aid. Saree warned that any vessel breaching this ban would be targeted.
The heightened tensions follow Israel’s decision not to progress to the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire initially mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Following the end of the first phase on March 1 and subsequent blockage of aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of prioritizing hostage releases over broader commitments to peace.
Hamas has insisted that the agreement’s terms be honored, urging mediators to pursue second-phase negotiations aimed at a complete Israeli withdrawal and cessation of hostilities. The Houthis have actively engaged in attacks on Israeli targets since November 2023, including strikes on Israeli-linked cargo ships and direct missile attacks, which Israel has responded to with airstrikes on Houthi military sites until a ceasefire was instituted on January 19.
The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 48,500 casualties reported in Gaza—mostly women and children—due to the ongoing Israeli military operations. The situation has also led to international scrutiny, with war crime charges filed against Israeli leaders at the International Criminal Court and a genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice.
The Houthis’ renewed threats against Israeli vessels signify escalating tensions tied to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With military readiness confirmed and demands for aid access unfulfilled, future confrontations between the Houthis and Israel appear inevitable. As Israel navigates international scrutiny for its actions in Gaza, the humanitarian plight continues to fuel militant responses.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
