Yemen's Houthis Resume Naval Attacks Amid Israeli Blockade

The Houthis in Yemen announced their intention to resume naval attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red and Arabian seas, responding to Israel's blockade of aid into Gaza. Previously, the group had launched over 100 attacks, significantly affecting international shipping routes and escalating regional tensions.

The conflict in the Middle East took a sharp turn as Yemen's Houthis declared on Tuesday that they would recommence naval attacks on Israeli vessels navigating the Red and Arabian seas. This announcement marks an end to the relative calm that began in January, triggered by the Gaza ceasefire.

From November 2023, the Houthis have launched a barrage of more than 100 attacks on maritime routes to express solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. These acts have resulted in the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least four seafarers, disrupting global shipping and compelling companies to opt for lengthier and costlier routes via southern Africa.

The Houthi leadership issued a stern warning last Friday, threatening to reinstate naval operations against Israel unless the blockade on aid into Gaza was lifted within four days. Israel had barred aid trucks from entering Gaza as truce negotiations intensified, with Hamas urging mediation from Egypt and Qatar. The situation escalates as the U.S. State Department solidifies the Houthi movement's status as a 'foreign terrorist organization,' following a re-designation by former President Donald Trump to reinforce economic sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies.)