The Houthi militant group in Yemen has announced a suspension of maritime operations against Israel and formally ended its naval blockade of Israeli ports, marking a significant shift in Red Sea shipping security.
The announcement came through a formal letter sent to Hamas’s military wing, Kata’ib al Qassam, by newly appointed Houthi Chief of Staff Yousef Hassan Al Madani, who assumed the role following the death of his predecessor, Mohammed Al Ghamari, in Israeli airstrikes. The move indicates that attacks against vessels previously targeted for calling at Israeli ports have now ceased.
Maritime security experts are urging caution despite the declared pause. Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, emphasized that the risk reduction should not be mistaken for complete elimination.
“As of 11 November, the risk of Houthi attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and broader region is significantly lower,” Kelly noted. “However, despite the declared pause, the Houthis retain the capability to conduct missile, drone, and USV attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.”
In his letter, Al Madani reaffirmed Houthi support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause while making explicit the conditions under which attacks could resume.
Read more in an article from gCaptain.