Houthi Rebels Threaten Renewed Red Sea Strikes Amid Ongoing Gaza Blockade
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The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have issued an ultimatum to Israel, demanding the lifting of humanitarian aid restrictions on Gaza. They have threatened to resume attacks on vessels associated with Israel if their conditions are not met.
designated as a terrorist organization by the US, the Houthis have previously targeted commercial ships in both the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, causing disruptions in global trade and driving up shipping expenses.
In a recent televised address, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated that should Israel fail to permit aid into Gaza, his forces would intensify maritime operations in surrounding waters. He accused Israel and its allies of intentionally obstructing relief efforts and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Houthis demand that israel reopen aid routes within four days from Friday. Senior official Nasruddin Amer warned that non-compliance would lead to a resumption of naval operations against Israeli interests.
Tensions have escalated following Israel’s March 2 decision to suspend international food aid convoys aimed at pressuring Hamas, which is currently holding 24 Israeli hostages along with the remains of 34 others.
Israel has alleged that Hamas diverts humanitarian assistance for military purposes—a claim denied by Hamas itself. The blockade has left countless Palestinians in Gaza struggling for essential resources amid ongoing conflict devastation.
recently, Israel cut electricity supply to Gaza’s sole desalination plant located in Deir el-Balah, which serves around 600,000 displaced individuals with drinking water. Although backup generators and solar power are currently sustaining operations at this facility, its future remains uncertain due to power loss. Hamas has condemned this action as “collective punishment,” citing severe shortages of food, water, and electricity.
The United Nations has raised alarms about the deteriorating situation as attempts to deliver aid through border crossings face obstruction from Israeli authorities.
Since early 2023,
