Sana'a: The Houthi movement in Yemen has issued a four-day deadline to Israel, demanding an end to its blockade on Gaza, which is preventing the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid. The group has threatened to resume attacks on shipping routes if its demands are not met.
In a video statement, Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi warned that if Israel continues to obstruct aid deliveries and keep crossings closed, his forces will restart naval operations against Israeli targets. This escalation comes after a temporary lull in Houthi assaults on maritime traffic, following earlier attacks that disrupted global shipping and led companies to reroute vessels around Africa.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, launched over 100 strikes on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in response to Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Their attacks resulted in the sinking of two vessels, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least four seafarers. They have also fired missiles and drones at Israel, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Hamas has welcomed the Houthis' declaration, describing it as an extension of their support for Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has not yet responded to the ultimatum.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to Israel's blockade, now in its seventh day. The United Nations and human rights organizations have warned that blocking essential aid could constitute a war crime. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that depriving civilians of food and medicine amounts to collective punishment and violates international law.
The blockade has led to skyrocketing prices and severe shortages of medical supplies, with hospitals struggling to treat over 100,000 wounded individuals. Fuel shortages are also threatening emergency medical services, as many hospitals rely on generators to operate.
Since the start of Israel's military offensive, at least 48,440 Palestinians have been killed and over 111,845 wounded. Authorities in Gaza estimate that the real death toll could be significantly higher, with thousands still trapped under rubble.
