Amid rising tensions surrounding the Gaza aid blockade, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued a stern warning targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis declared on Wednesday that any Israeli vessel navigating nearby waters would be considered a legitimate target unless Israel lifts its blockade preventing the delivery of crucial food and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre’s Statement
The announcement, made through the Houthis’ Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre, emphasized that the military actions are designed to exert pressure on Israel to reopen crossings into Gaza and facilitate the entry of vital supplies. The group articulated their actions arise from a “deep sense” of responsibility towards the plight of the Palestinian people.
To emphasize their resolve, the Houthis have intensified attacks on cargo vessels traversing the maritime routes that connect Asia with Europe and the United States. Their definition of Israeli-linked ships has been notably broad, raising alarms that this may endanger a wider array of vessels.
Specifics of the Warning and Broader Implications
The Houthi advisory specifies that the threat targets vessels operating in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Arabian Sea. They cautioned, “Any Israeli vessel attempting to violate this ban will be subject to military targeting in the declared operational area.”
Despite this alarming announcement, there have been no immediate reports of attacks on commercial vessels in the region. The warning follows Israel’s recent suspension of all aid deliveries to Gaza, an effort aimed at pressuring Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages. This decision has faced significant backlash, given that Gaza’s population of over 2 million was already heavily reliant on international aid before the current hostilities, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing military actions.
Maritime security experts from Ambrey have expressed concerns regarding the ambiguity of the Houthi statement, suggesting that it could potentially risk more vessels. Their analysis indicates that the threat might extend to ships partially owned or operated by Israeli entities, vessels destined for Israel, and those from companies that service Israeli ports.
While the statement did not directly target the US Navy, past operations by the Houthis have included assaults on American and Western military ships, marking some of the most intense naval encounters since World War II. In response to the current situation, US military officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting American personnel and assets, stating, “We will do what is necessary to protect and defend US personnel, assets, and partners.”
This latest warning comes on the heels of an ultimatum from Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, who had previously threatened to escalate attacks on Israeli-associated vessels unless humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza resumed within four days. That deadline lapsed on Tuesday.
From November 2023 through January 2024, Houthi forces have conducted over 100 missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the loss of four sailors. These aggressive actions have elevated the Houthis’ profile on the international stage, even as they confront economic challenges and continue to suppress dissent and humanitarian efforts amid Yemen’s prolonged conflict.