US leader's statements derail shipping plans in Red Sea

Recent statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the future of the Gaza Strip may hinder the full resumption of cargo shipments through the Red Sea.

The heads of the logistics companies note that they are preparing for rising tensions in the Middle East and the potential backtracking by Yemen's Houthi rebels on their promises to reduce attacks, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

With the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the US, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, which came into effect on January 19. In turn, the Houthis signaled their intention to limit attacks on ships in the Red Sea, pledging to target only those connected to Israel going forward.

The week following these actions by the Houthis, the number of vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait increased by four per cent, reaching 223. For the first time in over a year, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier of non-Russian origin is set to transport its cargo through the Red Sea, from Oman to Türkiye, with the arrival expected on February 16.  President Trump stated that Washington should take control of the Gaza Strip once the fighting in the enclave has concluded.

He emphasized that the US could slowly and carefully begin constructing what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular projects on Earth. Previously, Trump also suggested that the residents of Gaza should be relocated to Egypt, Jordan, or other countries. These statements were met with condemnation from many countries.

In response, Spokesman for the Houthi group Mohammed al-Bukhaiti remarked that Trump's words reflected the arrogance of the US which seeks to dominate everything unless Arab nations resist. He added that if Egypt or Jordan attempts to challenge the US, the Houthis would support them.

By Naila Huseynova