Houthi Warn of Renewed Red Sea Attacks Amid Gaza Aid Blockade

The Houthi movement in Yemen has issued a warning to resume attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea following Israel’s recent blockade of humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza. Previously, the group had targeted vessels in support of Hamas and in an effort to disrupt Israeli trade routes.

The Houthi’s delivered an ultimatum to Israel, demanding the reopening of aid corridors to Gaza within four days. If not met, the group threatened to relaunch its naval operations. The Houthi had halted their attacks on commercial shipping in the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This pause marked the end of 14 months of disruptions, during which merchant vessels were forced to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

Despite the ceasefire, major shipping companies, including leading container lines, have remained cautious, avoiding the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Given the fragile nature of the truce, industry experts predict that normal shipping transits may not resume until the latter half of the year.