Houthis extend maritime blockade on Israeli-linked ships after ultimatum expires

The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has announced the continuation of its maritime blockade against Israel-linked vessels, vowing to enforce the restriction until humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza.

The declaration came nearly 24 hours after the expiration of an ultimatum issued by Houthi envoys, warning of escalated actions if crossings into Gaza were not reopened, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the decision in a televised address, stating that the blockade in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden would persist “for another month, until the crossings into Gaza are opened for humanitarian aid.” He reiterated the group’s stance, saying, “The Yemeni forces salute the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank and affirm that they stand alongside the Palestinian resistance.”

Hours earlier, Houthi Defense Minister Mohammed al-Atifi emphasized that the group’s forces were “fully prepared to carry out the leadership’s instructions to support Gaza and assist Palestinian fighters.” The unrecognized Houthi cabinet in Sanaa also reaffirmed its commitment to this course of action, warning that it was “prepared for any developments or consequences resulting from Yemen’s support for Gaza and Palestine.”

The latest move follows the end of the first 42-day phase of a Gaza ceasefire on March 1, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. After Israel declined to proceed to the second phase—entailing a full cessation of hostilities—crossings into Gaza were closed again on March 8, blocking humanitarian aid from entering the besieged enclave. The Houthi leadership has since intensified its rhetoric, blaming Israel and its allies for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group's leader, reaffirmed on Monday that his forces were “ready and prepared” to act against Israel once the deadline expired. Saree later confirmed that any Israeli vessel attempting to breach the ban would be targeted within the operational area, maintaining that the restrictions would remain in effect until aid, food, and medicine were allowed into Gaza.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have carried out missile and drone attacks on Israeli-linked cargo ships and have sporadically launched strikes on Israel itself. However, while the group has continued to target maritime assets, it has not issued new threats to strike Israeli territory. Despite this, the Israeli Air Force remains on high alert, prepared for any potential escalation.

By Vugar Khalilov