Yemen’s Houthis Announce Resumption of Attacks on Israeli Shipping

The Houthis have announced they will resume attacks on Israeli ships, ending a calm period related to the Gaza ceasefire. This follows over 100 previous attacks, which disrupted global shipping and resulted in casualties. The group demands the lifting of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, emphasizing their actions are rooted in support for Palestinians. The U.S. has designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.

The Houthis of Yemen have declared their intention to renew attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red and Arabian seas, as well as the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. This announcement marks an end to a period of relative calm that began in January following a ceasefire in Gaza. Previously, the Houthis conducted over 100 assaults on shipping, claiming these actions were meant to support the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Between November 2023 and now, the Houthis successfully sunk two ships, captured another, and caused the deaths of four maritime personnel, severely disrupting global shipping operations. This disruption compelled shipping companies to redirect their vessels on longer and costlier routes around the southern tip of Africa. On March 2, Houthi leadership issued a warning that naval operations against Israeli interests would resume if Israel failed to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza within four days.

The Israeli government blocked aid trucks on March 2, creating a stalemate that prompted Hamas to seek assistance from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The Houthis communicated, 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.”

In a public statement, the Houthis affirmed that their military actions are driven by a profound sense of moral obligation towards the Palestinian populace, aimed at pressuring Israel to grant access for humanitarian shipments to Gaza. Additionally, the United States State Department has classified the Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization, with a designation that follows President Donald Trump’s call for stricter economic sanctions due to the group’s attacks on commercial vessels and US military assets in the Red Sea.

The Houthis’ renewed commitment to attacking Israeli shipping routes raises significant concerns for global maritime security and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Their justification hinges on supporting the Palestinian cause, linking military actions to a broader moral responsibility. With the U.S. actively designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, the situation poses complex challenges for international relations and regional stability.

Original Source: www.begadistrictnews.com.au