By GMM News | 2024-05-07 | International Shipping News |

In a recent announcement, Yemen’s Houthi group declared its intention to target ships destined for Israeli ports within its operating range.

Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, made the statement during a televised speech on Friday, emphasizing their determination to take action against vessels crossing the Mediterranean Sea en route to Israel.

Saree highlighted that the decision would be carried out promptly, indicating a major increase in the group’s activity.

Since November, the Houthis have been actively launching missile and drone strikes on ships crossing vital maritime routes such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.

These actions, reportedly in support of Palestinians and against Israeli actions in Gaza, have hampered shipping operations and raised concerns about regional stability.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Israel’s assault on the Southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah have sparked international outrage and appeals for caution.

Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, considerable obstacles remain, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire, Israeli disengagement from Gaza, and the return of those evacuated.

The failure to establish a permanent ceasefire has strengthened the Houthi group’s desire to target ships bound for Israeli ports.

Saree reaffirmed the Yemeni armed forces’ willingness to escalate their efforts until Israeli aggression stops and the Gaza siege is lifted.

Since October, Israeli operations have caused substantial fatalities and destruction in Gaza, aggravating the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

Meanwhile, a US-led military coalition has been launching airstrikes on Houthi targets since January while the organization continues its maritime assaults.

The Houthi threat to target ships destined for Israel highlights the complex structure of regional conflicts and the possibility of additional escalation amid continuing hostilities in the Middle East.

As tensions persist, the international community faces significant hurdles in creating long-term peace and preventing future violence in the region.

Reference: Aljazeera, Reuters