Houthi Leader Issues Warning of Renewed Strikes on 'Israeli-Linked Ships' Amid Gaza Aid Blockade

Synopsis

Yemen's Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi warns of military actions against Israeli-linked ships if humanitarian aid does not reach Gaza by the four-day deadline he established. The group has conducted attacks in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.

Key Takeaways

Houthi leader threatens military action on Israeli-linked vessels.
A four-day deadline for Gaza aid is set.
The group previously attacked Israeli-affiliated ships.
Israel has conducted retaliatory strikes on Houthi positions.
Ceasefire led to a temporary halt in Houthi operations.

Sanaa, March 11 (NationPress) The leader of Yemen's Houthi movement, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, proclaimed that his faction is gearing up for military action against Israeli-linked vessels unless humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza within a four-day timeframe he announced last week. "We uphold our deadline for the arrival of aid into the Gaza Strip, and our military is poised to carry out operations," al-Houthi stated during a televised address on the group's Al-Masirah TV channel on Monday.

Previously, the Houthi leader had issued a four-day ultimatum to intermediaries between Israel and Hamas to expedite the resumption of aid to Gaza. This deadline is set to conclude on Tuesday, as reported by Xinhua.

The Houthi group, which governs a significant portion of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, has executed drone and missile strikes against Israeli-affiliated ships in the Red Sea and Israeli cities since November 2023, asserting their support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In retaliation, Israel has conducted counterstrikes targeting Houthi military installations in Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

The Houthi strikes halted following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Nevertheless, the group now threatens to recommence operations if the blockade on Gaza is not lifted.

Previously, the Houthi group has aimed at vessels they claim are connected to Israel in the Red Sea as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing conflict.

Israel has targeted the Houthis in Yemen on five separate occasions during the ongoing conflict, with the most recent strike occurring on January 10. The first strike took place on July 20, 2023, followed by attacks on September 29, December 19, and December 26. The port of Hodeidah has been a frequent target during these airstrikes.

Since November of last year, the Houthi group has been launching missile and drone assaults on what they identify as "Israeli-linked" vessels in regional waters and beyond, as well as targets within Israel, to demonstrate their solidarity with Palestinians amidst their conflict with Israel in Gaza.