FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The Iran-backed Houthi movement has announced plans to resume targeting Israeli-affiliated ships in the Red Sea.
Previously, the Houthis had repeatedly attacked merchant vessels in the area. In January, however, the group had declared a halt to such attacks following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Houthis claim the resumption of attacks is due to Israel’s recent closure of emergency aid access to the Gaza Strip.
This decision followed the expiration of a deadline set by the Houthis for Israel to resume aid supplies.
The warning from the Houthis applies to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea.
The Houthi rebel group initially began these attacks in October 2023, reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Although they claim to target ships linked to Israel, vessels from other countries have also been affected.
This renewed threat could lead to disruptions in a critical transport route between Asia and Europe, creating further instability in the region.
