Houthis Threaten to Resume Ship Attacks Over Gaza Aid Block

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued an ultimatum to Israel, warning that they will resume attacks on shipping unless humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza restart by Tuesday.

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated the threat in a televised statement on Friday, saying, “If the Israeli enemy continues after the first four days to prevent the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip … then we will resume our naval operations against the Israeli enemy.”

On March 2, the Israeli government halted all humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza after Hamas rejected a ceasefire extension proposed by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Since late 2023, over 100 ships have been attacked in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. However, Houthi assaults on commercial vessels have ceased this year, aligning with the fragile peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

British maritime security firm Ambrey is advising ship operators to review their risk exposure, assess their alignment with potential Houthi target profiles, and reconsider the safety of routes through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.