Yemen’s Houthis Signal Ceasefire Compliance with Attacks Against Israel and Red Sea Shipping
Houthi rebels indicate cessation of attacks on Israeli territory and shipping in the Red Sea.
DUBAI: Yemen's Houthi rebels are signaling a halt to their military operations against Israel and shipping within the Red Sea as a shaky ceasefire continues to hold in the Gaza Strip.
In a letter addressed to Hamas' Qassam Brigades, published late Monday, the Houthis have conveyed their intention to desist from further aggression.
The communication to the Qassam Brigades emphasizes the group's ongoing vigilance towards regional developments and warns of a potential resurgence of hostilities against Israel.
According to the letter, such a move would reinstate the blockade on Israeli navigation in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
It should be noted that while this statement indicates a cessation of attacks, the Houthi movement has not issued an official acknowledgment confirming their campaign's end.
The Houthi rebellion, which gained international attention during the Israel-Hamas war, initially aimed to disrupt Israeli operations by targeting shipping within the region.
Despite claims attributing these actions to pressure Israeli forces into halting their military engagements, no attacks have been attributed to the group since the ceasefire began on October 10.
The Houthi-led campaign against maritime traffic has resulted in significant casualties and damage, including at least nine mariners killed and four vessels sunk.
This disruption significantly affected Red Sea shipping, which handles approximately $1 trillion worth of goods annually.
Most recently, the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht was targeted by the Houthis on September 29, resulting in one fatality and another crew member injured.
In addition to their maritime activities, the Houthi movement has threatened Saudi Arabia and detained dozens of workers from international organizations, including the United Nations.
These detentions are based on accusations that the individuals were spies, a claim vehemently denied by the UN and other humanitarian entities.