In a bold declaration, Yemen’s Houthis have announced their intention to target ships bound for Israeli ports within their reach, as stated by the group’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree during a televised address.
Emphasizing their readiness to strike any vessels en route to Israeli ports in the Mediterranean Sea, Saree emphasized the immediate implementation of this decision upon its announcement.
With a focus on solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, the Iran-aligned Houthis have conducted numerous drone and missile attacks on ships in key maritime routes such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab strait, and Gulf of Aden since November.
These attacks have led to shipping companies rerouting their cargo through longer and costlier routes around southern Africa, raising concerns about the potential regional destabilization stemming from the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
Additionally, Saree mentioned an impending “aggressive military operation” in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, as a driving factor behind the group’s decision.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats of a ground offensive in Rafah, despite ongoing bombardment, have sparked international condemnation and calls for restraint.
As tensions persist, a Hamas delegation is scheduled to engage in indirect ceasefire discussions in Egypt, aiming to halt the aggression against Gaza’s population.
Key negotiation points include Hamas’s insistence on a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the unimpeded return of displaced individuals.
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