Houthis Link Red Sea Attacks to Israeli ‘Aggression’ in Gaza; International Shipping at Risk
In a concerning development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have tied their ongoing missile and drone strikes on international shipping in the Red Sea to what they perceive as Israeli “aggression” in the Gaza Strip. The group, known for its control over significant parts of Yemen including the capital Sanaa, has indicated a conditional reconsideration of these attacks only if Israel ceases its actions in Gaza.
The latest statement from Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam to Reuters underscores their position: the attacks on shipping lanes will persist until Gaza’s siege ends and humanitarian aid flows freely into the region. Abdulsalam emphasized, “There will be no halt to any operations that help Palestinian people except when the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the siege stop.”
This announcement comes amidst reports of another suspected attack in the Red Sea. A Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier recently reported a missile hitting the water dangerously close to the vessel’s location northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. Thankfully, the crew and the ship remain safe, proceeding to their next port of call. Additionally, a Panama-flagged, UAE-owned chemical/products tanker was in proximity at the time of the incident, raising further concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region.
The situation exacerbates existing challenges faced by major shipping companies, who have been avoiding the Red Sea due to repeated Houthi strikes. These attacks not only pose a threat to commercial vessels but also disrupt global trade routes, impacting economies worldwide.
Furthermore, Houthi-affiliated media outlet Al-Masira reported airstrikes allegedly conducted jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom over Hodeidah, Yemen’s oldest port city, on February 27. The airstrike reports raise tensions in the region, adding to the already volatile situation.
The link established by the Houthis between their actions in the Red Sea and events in Gaza underscores the interconnected nature of conflicts in the Middle East. As international stakeholders seek to navigate these complex dynamics, the safety and security of vital maritime routes remain a paramount concern. Efforts toward de-escalation and diplomatic solutions are urgently needed to mitigate the risk posed by such attacks and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
