Yemen’s Houthis will resume attacks on Israeli ships, ending a period of calm following the Gaza ceasefire. Their previous assaults disrupted global shipping and were linked to solidarity with Palestinians amid the Hamas-Israel conflict. The group’s leader warned of these operations unless a blockade on Gaza aid was lifted. The US has designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying economic penalties against them.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced its intention to recommence attacks on Israeli vessels traversing the Red and Arabian Seas, as well as the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden. This declaration concludes a phase of relative calm following the ceasefire in Gaza initiated in January. The Houthis previously conducted over 100 assaults on shipping between November 2023 and January 2024, directly connecting these actions to their stance in support of the Palestinian people amid the conflict with Hamas.
Throughout their offensive, the Houthis managed to sink two ships, seize another, and cause the fatalities of at least four seafarers. These assaults significantly disrupted global shipping lanes, compelling companies to seek alternative, more costly routes around southern Africa. The group’s leader recently issued a warning, stating that their naval operations against Israel would resume unless a blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza was lifted within four days.
Following an escalation of tensions on March 2, Israel obstructed the flow of aid trucks into Gaza amidst negotiations for a truce, with Hamas appealing for mediation from Egyptian and Qatari officials. The Houthis articulated in a recent statement that the ban on Israeli shipping would be effective immediately until aid crossings to Gaza are reopened, emphasizing their commitment to a religious, humanitarian, and moral duty toward the Palestinian populace.
Moreover, earlier this month, the US State Department announced the classification of the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization,” a designation that President Donald Trump had advocated. This reclassification aims to impose stricter economic sanctions in retaliation for their maritime assaults in the Red Sea, specifically targeting incidents involving commercial shipping and US naval forces.
In conclusion, the Houthis’ renewed commitment to targeting Israeli shipping illustrates the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As they frame their actions as a response to humanitarian concerns for Palestinians, this development could further disrupt international shipping routes and amplify existing hostilities. The recent US designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially resulting in more stringent responses from various stakeholders.
Original Source: www.begadistrictnews.com.au
