Yemen’s Houthis plan to resume attacks on Israeli ships, citing solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel’s aid blockade on Gaza. The group had previously ramped up maritime aggression with over 100 attacks, impacting global shipping routes. US designation of the Houthis as terrorists adds to regional tensions.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced plans to resume naval attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red Sea and nearby regions, concluding a brief peace period that followed a Gaza ceasefire in January. Previously, the Houthis executed over 100 attacks on shipping, claiming it was in support of Palestinian interests amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. These actions resulted in the sinking of two ships, seizure of another, and casualties among seafarers, significantly disrupting global trade routes.
The Houthi leadership issued a warning stating that the resumption of hostilities would commence if Israel did not lift its blockade on aid destined for Gaza within four days. The blockade was enforced on March 2, as tensions rose due to a stalemate regarding the ceasefire, prompting Hamas to request intervention from Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
In an official statement, the Houthis declared that the blockade on aid would persist until humanitarian deliveries, including food and medical supplies, are allowed into Gaza. They stressed that their military actions are driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards the Palestinian people and aimed at compelling Israel to reopen Gaza’s crossings for essential supplies.
Earlier this month, the US State Department reaffirmed the Houthi designation as a “foreign terrorist organization” following an appeal from President Trump. This designation serves to intensify economic sanctions against the Houthis due to their aggressive engagements in the Red Sea and threats to US naval forces in the region.
The Houthis’ renewed threat to target Israeli shipping highlights ongoing complexities in Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly in relation to the Gaza conflict. Their actions aim to exert pressure on Israel regarding aid access to Gaza, while also renewing concerns about maritime security in critical shipping lanes. The US designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization further complicates the situation, suggesting potential escalations in both military and economic conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.begadistrictnews.com.au
