Yemen’s Houthis have declared the resumption of attacks on Israeli ships as a response to the blockade of aid to Gaza, ending a period of calm since January. Previously, they conducted over 100 assaults on shipping and vowed continued military operations until humanitarian aid is permitted. The U.S. has reiterated the Houthis’ designation as a foreign terrorist organization amid these developments.
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthis announced their intent to resume attacks on Israeli ships traversing the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. This decision halts a period of relative tranquility that began following the Gaza ceasefire in January. The Houthis had previously conducted over 100 attacks targeting international shipping since November 2023 in response to the conflict in Gaza, leading to significant disruptions in global maritime operations.
During their prior offensive, the Houthis managed to sink two vessels, seize one, and resulted in the fatalities of at least four seafarers. This escalation forced shipping companies to reroute their vessels via longer and costlier pathways around southern Africa. The group’s leader issued a warning last Friday, advising that naval operations against Israel would recommence if the blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza was not lifted within four days.
The situation escalated on March 2, when Israel initiated a blockade on aid trucks entering Gaza amid tensions concerning the truce. In their statement, the Houthis made clear, “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,” highlighting their commitment to the blockade’s enforcement.
The U.S. State Department recently reiterated its classification of the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” an action that followed President Donald Trump’s re-designation of the group earlier this year. This designation aims to impose stricter economic sanctions as a direct response to the Houthis’ aggressive assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against U.S. naval forces protecting this vital maritime region.
The Houthis’ decision to resume attacks signifies a serious escalation in regional tensions and reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The group’s prior attacks had already disrupted global shipping, and the recent statements indicate a willingness to continue these operations until the blockade is lifted. The U.S. designation as a foreign terrorist organization further complicates the situation, signaling potential international repercussions.
Original Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
