Yemen’s Houthis have reinstated a naval blockade on Israeli ships after a deadline for Gaza aid expired. The blockade covers various waterways, marking a return to military confrontation. Rising humanitarian crises in Gaza have escalated tensions, prompting reactions from the US and other allies. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad commends the Houthis’ actions as brave support for Gaza’s plight.
The Houthi-led government in Yemen has resumed its naval blockade against Israeli ships following the expiration of a deadline for Israel to permit aid into the Gaza Strip. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, speaking on Almasirah TV, stated that this blockade now encompasses Yemen’s waterways in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The ultimatum was issued by Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi on March 8, 2023, as ceasefire negotiations were ongoing. Israel’s move to reinstate a blockade on Gaza on March 2 cut off essential supplies, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by soaring prices and severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, compounded by the cessation of electricity.
With this renewed blockade, the Houthis have indicated a readiness to confront Israel militarily by targeting Israeli-affiliated ships. Saree warned, “Any Israeli ship attempting to break this blockade will be targeted in the declared operational area.” The blockade will persist until aid access to Gaza is restored.
The Houthi offensive against alleged Israeli-linked maritime interests began in support of Palestinians, following the escalation on October 7, 2023. Their attacks have impacted merchant vessel traffic and heightened concerns regarding shipping routes through the Suez Canal, critically affecting both Egyptian and Israeli maritime economies.
In response to heightened Houthi activities, the US and allied nations have enacted retaliatory strikes against Yemen. The Israeli military remains on high alert, prepared for imminent attacks. The US has also engaged with regional partners to address these threats and safeguard vital shipping routes, deploying military assets in the Red Sea.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad expressed gratitude for Yemen’s blockade, viewing it as a pivotal move to compel Israel to restore aid flow into Gaza. They characterized Yemen’s actions as a demonstration of solidarity and urged other Arab and Islamic nations to take similar actions in support of Palestinian resistance.
The resumption of Yemen’s naval blockade against Israeli ships marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, particularly concerning aid access to Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen under renewed blockades, as the Houthis affirm their military intent against Israeli interests. Increased military readiness from US allies illustrates the international ramifications of these actions, while Palestinian groups endorse the Houthis’ stance as a vital expression of solidarity. Overall, the situation remains dynamic and complex, with crucial implications for maritime security and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.dropsitenews.com
