Yemen Resumes Ban on Israeli Ships After Deadline for Gaza Aid Passes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Yemen resumed military operations against Israeli vessels in strategic waters after a deadline set by the Ansarullah movement for Israel to reopen Gaza’s crossings and allow humanitarian aid expired.
The Yemeni Armed Forces announced on Wednesday that they would restart attacks on Israeli ships following a relevant decree issued by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement.
Al-Houthi had set a four-day deadline for Israel to reopen the crossings it had shut down to pressure Hamas into releasing captives and further squeeze Gaza’s already besieged population.
“With mediators failing to achieve these objectives (having the regime reopen the terminals and let in aid supplies), Yemen has escalated its stance in support of the Palestinian people,” the Armed Forces' statement said.
Effective immediately, Israeli vessels are banned from the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, the statement added. Any Israeli ship attempting to navigate these areas would be targeted.
“This prohibition will remain until the crossings into the Gaza Strip are reopened and humanitarian aid, including essential food and medicine, is permitted entry,” the statement read.
Yemen reiterated its support for Palestinians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military crimes have also intensified.
Yemeni officials, including al-Houthi, had warned they were ready to resume strikes if aid was not allowed into Gaza. Yemeni forces initially began targeting Israeli-linked vessels with missiles and drones in October 2023 after Israel launched its military campaign.
These attacks have impacted Israel’s economy, contributing to price hikes across commodities in the occupied territories.
