Houthi rebels declare end to Red Sea attacks but issues direct threat to…, says, if Gaza ceasefire is violated then…

Houthi attacks, which have halved traffic through the Red Sea, have deeply affected Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues, a key route linking Asia and Europe. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Yemeni group has targeted over 100 merchant vessels.

With a change in leadership in the United States, peace seems to be taking hold in the Middle East. Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also declared a truce in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who receive support from Iran, have announced an end to their attacks in this strategically significant trade route. This decision is expected to reduce threats to shipping vessels in the area. According to a report by the Financial Times, the Houthis have informed ship owners, insurance companies, and authorities that they are lifting restrictions on vessels. However, ships registered in Israel or owned by Israeli entities remain at risk.

During the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis began targeting ships in the Red Sea to show support for Palestinians. The targeted vessels included those linked to Israel, the United States, and the UK. In retaliation, Houthi strongholds were bombed multiple times. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, became a hotspot for Houthi activities. Recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Houthi positions have reduced attacks, but ship owners continue to remain vigilant.

Will ships return to the Red Sea?

In 2023, when Houthi rebels began targeting ships, shipping costs between Asia and Europe surged. This was because vessels were forced to avoid the Red Sea and take longer routes around Africa, leading to increased travel time and reduced shipping capacity. While experts believe the recent announcement reduces threats in the Red Sea, the danger is only partially mitigated, meaning the waterway may not see a significant resurgence in shipping activity anytime soon.

Houthis issue direct threats

Despite Sunday’s announcement, the Yemeni armed group threatened to resume assaults on US and UK ships, if these Western countries continue to launch airstrikes against them. “In the event of any aggression…the sanctions will be reinstated against the aggressor state,” the Houthis warned.

Jacob Larsen, Head of Maritime Safety and Security at industry body BIMCO, stated that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile. He warned that any disruptions in the agreement could reignite threats in the Red Sea. Additionally, the uncertainty has heightened with Donald Trump returning as President of the United States.

Houthi attacks, which have halved traffic through the Red Sea, have deeply affected Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues, a key route linking Asia and Europe. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Yemeni group has targeted over 100 merchant vessels.

The Houthis have captured one vessel and sank two others during these attacks, which have also resulted in the death of four sailors.

The group asserts that it has just targeted vessels linked to Israel and its backers, which include the US and the UK. However, it has also struck ships with no connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict, including some heading to Iran.

Despite the Houthis’ announcement on Sunday, global shipping firms remain wary, as doubts linger about the durability of the ceasefire in Gaza.