Houthis Demand End To Israeli “Aggression” In Gaza Or Red Sea Attacks Continue

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stated that they may reconsider their use of drones and missiles against foreign ships in the Red Sea if Israeli “aggression” in the Gaza Strip is stopped. A Houthi spokesperson, Mohammed Abdulsalam, told Reuters on Tuesday that an end to the strikes would only be taken into consideration if the siege of Hamas is lifted and humanitarian aid is allowed to enter the area uninterrupted.

The announcement comes in the wake of the most recent incident reported on Tuesday. In that event, a Greek-owned bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag reported being struck by a missile about three nautical miles from its location, or sixty-three miles northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British maritime security company Ambrey have reported that the crew and ship were fortunately unharmed and that the ship is already en route to its next port of call.

In a similar event, Houthi-affiliated Al-Masira television announced late on Tuesday that two bombings were carried out over Yemen’s oldest port city, Hodeidah, by U.S. and U.K. forces. These events add to the region’s increasing shipping uncertainties as a result of numerous Houthi strikes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait since November, purportedly in support of Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

Leading international container line Maersk has cautioned customers to expect ongoing interruptions in the Red Sea far into the second part of the year due to the elevated tensions. Seafarers traversing these dangerous waters have also secured agreements granting them the freedom to refuse journeys via the Red Sea and double compensation.

The detention of crew members from the hijacked car carrier Galaxy Leader, which UK-registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd. owns, worsens the issue. The families of the detained sailors, who are citizens of several nations, are pleading with the world community to step in and secure their release. In the meantime, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has urged the release of the imprisoned crew members and asked for coordinated action to safeguard everyone’s safety at sea.

The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have sent legal letters to maritime officials and insurers, prohibiting vessels from Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom from crossing the neighbouring waters. The officially recognised government of Yemen has expressed alarm about Houthi actions, pointing out that the militia is still using missiles, drone boats, and sea mines. Amidst these events, it is still unknown what will happen to the cargo ship Rubymar, which was struck by a Houthi missile on February 18. To repair the damage caused by the missile hit, a work ship is scheduled to be sent in to seal the breach. The international community is confronted with increasing difficulties in addressing the complexity of marine security in the Red Sea region as long as tensions continue.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News