Yemen rebels threaten Israel-bound Red Sea ships

The Huthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have issued a threat to target ships heading to Israeli ports. This threat is conditional upon allowing the passage of food and medicine into the blockaded Gaza Strip.

This escalation comes amid rising tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, following several maritime attacks attributed to the Houthi rebels since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.

The Houthis have announced via social media their intention to block ships en route to Israel if humanitarian aid is not permitted into Gaza, governed by Hamas.

The scope of the Houthis’ target range has recently broadened, now including any ships bound for Israel, regardless of their flag, ownership, or operational nationality.

Hamas has endorsed the rebels’ stance, calling it “courageous and bold,” and urging Arab and Muslim nations to act to lift the Gaza siege.

Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, has stated that Israel will not tolerate a “naval siege.” He revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought the assistance of U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders to address the situation. Hanegbi warned that Israel might take action if the international community fails to respond.

The French military reported that one of its frigates, the Languedoc, operating in the Red Sea, shot down two drones from Yemen’s coast on Sunday. The interception occurred approximately 110 km from the Yemeni coast.

Recently, the Houthis attacked two ships near the Yemeni coast, including one under the Bahamas flag, alleging Israeli ownership. Last month, they seized the Galaxy Leader, a cargo vessel linked to Israel.

The Houthi statement warns all shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports, stating that any ship linked to Israel or transporting goods to Israeli ports will be unwelcome in the Red Sea, a critical global trade route connected to the Suez Canal.

In addition to maritime threats, the Houthis have launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Palestinian militants crossed into Israel on October 7, reportedly killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostages, as per Israeli officials.

In response, Israel has pledged to destroy Hamas and initiated an offensive in Gaza, resulting in at least 17,700 casualties, predominantly women and children.

The G7 foreign ministers, concerned by the rise in maritime incidents, have urged the rebels to stop threatening international shipping and to release the Galaxy Leader.