Yemen’s Houthis Resume Attacks on Israeli Ships Amid Gaza Aid Blockade
The Yemeni Houthi movement has restarted attacks on Israeli-linked ships, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Since November 2023, they have executed over 100 strikes, causing casualties and disruptions in global shipping. This escalation follows Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The US has reaffirmed its designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, raising concerns over Middle Eastern stability and trade security.
The Yemeni Houthi movement has resumed attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, effectively ending a period of relative calm since January that followed a ceasefire in Gaza. Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis launched over 100 strikes on commercial ships to demonstrate their solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
This new wave of aggression has resulted in the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least four seafarers, thereby compounding existing challenges such as disruptions to global shipping routes that have forced companies to opt for more lengthy and costly passages around southern Africa. An escalation of hostilities was prompted after the Houthis’ leadership issued a warning on Friday, stating that naval operations would recommence unless Israel lifted its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza within four days.
The current state of affairs follows Israel’s decision on March 2 to block the entry of aid trucks into Gaza, exacerbating tensions over the cessation of hostilities. In reaction, Hamas has urged mediators from Egypt and Qatar to step in. The Houthis reiterated their stance, stating, “This ban will remain in effect until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, is allowed to enter,” indicating an immediate blockade on Israeli-affiliated vessels.
In light of these developments, the United States has reiterated its classification of the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO), a designation reestablished in January by the Trump administration to enforce stricter economic measures in response to the group’s assaults on international shipping and US naval operations in the region. The intensifying Houthi actions contribute to the rising instability in the Middle East, posing significant risks to the safety of global trade routes and amplifying tensions among regional and international factions.
The recent resumption of attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on Israeli-linked ships marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict surrounding Gaza. As the situation unfolds, with over 100 attacks recorded since November, the implications for global shipping and stability in the region are dire. The United States’ designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization further complicates the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to de-escalate tensions and restore humanitarian access to Gaza.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
