The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced plans to limit their Red Sea attacks to ships affiliated with Israel as a ceasefire in Gaza entered its second day on Monday. The announcement, via email, follows weeks of reduced maritime assaults but leaves global shippers cautious about reentering the crucial route between Asia and Europe. Houthi actions have severely impacted traffic in the area, reducing revenue for Egypt, which operates the Suez Canal.
The Houthis, supported by Iran, claimed to be “stopping sanctions” on other vessels but warned that they would reinstate attacks against Israel, the US, and the UK if hostilities resumed. “In the event of any aggression … the sanctions will be reinstated against the aggressor state,” their Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center stated.
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Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, claiming their operations are aimed at ending Israel’s offensive in Gaza. However, many targeted ships had no clear connection to the conflict. US-led airstrikes have slowed the tempo of these attacks, with the US and allies reportedly conducting over 260 strikes against Houthi positions.
Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president on Monday introduces further uncertainty. Experts suggest he may reapply the foreign terrorist organization designation on the Houthis, previously removed by Joe Biden. “Uncertainty is further exacerbated by today’s inauguration of Trump,” said Jakob P. Larsen of the Baltic and International Maritime Council, an international association representing shipowners. “It remains unclear how the Trump administration will act in the conflict with the Houthis.”
The ceasefire remains fragile, and even minor violations could ignite broader hostilities in the Red Sea.