The Yemeni Houthi movement Ansar Allah has announced that it will resume attacks on ships connected to Israel in the Red and Arabian Seas. The move is aimed at pressuring Israel to reopen border crossings and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to a statement by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree.
“Since the deadline given to mediators to pressure the Israeli enemy into reopening border crossings and delivering aid to Gaza has expired, Yemen’s armed forces confirm the renewal of restrictions on all Israeli-linked ships passing through the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden,” Saree declared on Houthi-run Al Masirah TV.
He warned that any Israeli vessel attempting to defy the ban would be targeted within the designated operational zone. The blockade, he added, will remain in place until Israel allows humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
On March 7, Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi threatened to restart “naval operations” against Israel if aid deliveries to Gaza were not restored within four days. On Monday, he confirmed that Ansar Allah was prepared to resume attacks on Israeli-linked ships starting March 11.
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the closure of all border crossings. Israel justified the move by citing Hamas’ rejection of a ceasefire proposal put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Following the escalation in Gaza, the Houthis vowed to strike Israeli territory and prevent Israeli-affiliated ships from transiting through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Since November, they have targeted dozens of civilian vessels. The attacks halted in January after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Public Domain
Based on TASS materials