Yemen’s Houthi group announced they would resume attacks on Israeli ships following an expired ultimatum for aid access to Gaza. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi confirmed military readiness to strike if aid conditions were unmet. This escalation aligns with ongoing tensions in the region, marked by significant civilian casualties as the conflict continues.
On a recent Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi group announced their intention to resume their campaign against Israeli ships in key maritime areas. This declaration followed the expiration of a four-day deadline set for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree during a televised address shared on his social media profile.
Prior to this announcement, the Houthis convened their unrecognized Cabinet in Sanaa to discuss the ultimatum issued to Israel. The Cabinet affirmed their military readiness to target Israeli vessels if humanitarian aid to Gaza did not occur, indicating heightened preparedness across government sectors in support of the Palestinian cause.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi emphasized the military’s readiness to act against Israel following the deadline’s expiration. Saree confirmed the resumption of the ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, cautioning that any breach of this ban would lead to targeted actions against those vessels.
This proclamation arrives in the context of a complex political situation post-Gaza ceasefire. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, ended its first 42-day phase on March 1, 2023. Afterward, Israel opted not to enter the subsequent phase, leading to a reclosure of Gaza crossings and ceasing aid since March 8.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing an extension of the ceasefire phase to obtain additional hostage releases, aiming to appease hardline elements in his coalition. Concurrently, the Palestinian group Hamas remains committed to a complete accord, urging mediators to initiate discussions for a full ceasefire.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified their offensive, targeting Israeli assets with missile and drone strikes. In retaliation, Israel had conducted airstrikes on alleged Houthi military installations in Yemen until a truce was established in January 2024, which had temporarily halted such exchanges.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of over 48,500 lives, predominantly among women and children, in the relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza since October 2023. This situation has drawn international scrutiny, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants related to alleged war crimes by Israeli officials and claims of genocide arising at the International Court of Justice.
The Houthi group’s renewed threats against Israeli maritime operations highlight the escalating tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. With humanitarian aid issues at the forefront, the actions taken by the Houthis represent a significant military posture in solidarity with Palestinians. The ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis further underscore the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to seek a resolution to this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
