The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has declared that it will target merchant vessels operated by any company associated with Israeli ports. This threat, issued regardless of a company’s nationality or ship destination, marks what the group calls the “fourth phase” of its naval blockade against Israel. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified their maritime operations in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Houthi Red Sea Campaign Disrupts Global Trade, Escalates Amid Gaza War Tensions
The Houthis’ campaign, which has been active for the past two years, has severely disrupted commercial shipping through the Red Sea, a critical global trade route. This waterway normally handles about $1 trillion worth of goods annually. By targeting vessels with drones and missiles, the rebels have managed to reroute or delay numerous shipments, sparking international concern about the security of maritime trade in the region.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Houthis warned that their campaign would now include vessels linked to any company engaged with Israeli ports. The group emphasized that it would attack these ships “in any location within the reach of our armed forces.” This escalation is framed as a response to the war in Gaza, with the Houthis urging global powers to pressure Israel into ending the conflict and lifting the blockade on Palestinian territories.
Escalating Houthi Attacks Intensify Maritime Crisis and Undermine Fragile Peace Efforts
The severity of the Houthi operations was underscored earlier this month when the group attacked and sank two Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carriers, Magic Seas and Eternity C. The assault on Eternity C resulted in four deaths and 11 crew members being taken hostage. Meanwhile, all 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were successfully evacuated. These incidents highlight the growing human toll of the Houthi maritime campaign.
From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis launched over 100 attacks on commercial ships. While there was a temporary ceasefire during which the attacks paused, the group later became the target of a major U.S.-led airstrike campaign.
In May, the U.S. struck a deal with the Houthis to halt the airstrikes in exchange for an end to shipping attacks. However, the Houthis clarified that the agreement did not stop them from continuing assaults on targets they believe support Israel, indicating that tensions and threats to maritime trade remain unresolved.
