Yemeni Houthi rebels stated that they plan to re-launch attacks against Israeli-tied ships within the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, amid ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza. The Iran-supported movement said it has been driven to resume operations against vessels it deems connected to Israel and its allies by the blockade on aid to the Palestinians.
The fresh threat is a cause for concern for world shipping, as the Red Sea is a key trading route, with the U.S. and European powers already boosting naval patrols to deter Houthi aggression. The previous attacks compelled big shipping companies to divert ships around Africa, substantially slowing international trade and increasing transport costs.
The Houthis maintain that their operations are defensive, and that they are trying to pressure Israel into opening up the Gaza Strip for unlimited humanitarian aid. Yet, maritime security analysts warn that the strikes may interfere with international trade and fuel regional tensions, provoking more intense military reactions from Western and regional powers.
With diplomatic measures lagging behind in a bid to scale down the confrontation, international actors are keen to see if Houthi attacks will get more intense, and the area will be plunged into wider conflict.
