YEMEN: In a recent statement, Yemen’s Houthi movement declared its intention to target all ships bound for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality. The group issued a warning to international shipping companies, cautioning against dealing with Israeli ports. The spokesperson for Houthi group emphasized that if Gaza does not receive the necessary food and medicines, armed forces would consider all ships in the Red Sea en route to Israeli ports as potential targets.
This announcement comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel continuing its bombardment of Gaza for a third consecutive month, resulting in a significant toll on the civilian population. The Houthi forces have recently intensified their actions, attacking and seizing several ships with Israeli affiliations in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. These strategic waterways are vital for global oil shipments.
In a recent incident, three commercial vessels faced attacks in international waters, prompting intervention by a US Navy destroyer. The Houthis also targeted two ships off the Yemeni coast, including a Bahamas-flagged vessel, claiming them to be Israeli-owned. Last month, the rebel forces seized the Galaxy Leader, a cargo vessel with Israeli links, reinforcing their warning against ships associated with Israel and urging countries to prevent their nationals from serving as crew on such vessels.
The Houthi officials assert that their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians. However, Israel condemns these ship attacks as “Iranian acts of terrorism” with potential consequences for international maritime security. The US and the UK have denounced the attacks.
