Yemen Reinstates Ban on Israeli Ships: A New Maritime Tension Unfolds

In a significant move reflecting solidarity with the Palestinian people, Yemeni Forces have reinstated their ban on Israeli ships docking at ports within the region. This ban comes after a critical deadline to end the Israeli blockade on Gaza has passed, emphasizing Yemen’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in this ongoing crisis.

On Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces declared their intentions to enforce this ban in key operational areas, which include:

• The Red Sea
• The Arabian Sea
• The Bab al-Mandab Strait
• The Gulf of Aden

The Yemeni Armed Forces articulated that this action serves as a response to the persistent suffering endured by the Palestinian people and aims to bolster their resistance fighters. This decision follows a deadline set by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Ansarallah, who urged mediators to demand that Israel reopen border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Unfortunately, these diplomatic efforts did not yield any results.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, confirmed that the ban took effect immediately on Tuesday at 11:50 p.m. local time. He issued a stern warning that any Israeli vessel attempting to breach the blockade would be targeted within the designated operational zones. Saree emphasized that the ban will remain until Gaza’s border crossings are reopened and essential aid, such as food and medicine, is permitted to enter.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have also voiced their unwavering support for the “resilient Palestinian people in occupied Gaza and the West Bank,” reaffirming their commitment to the Palestinian resistance front. On March 7, al-Houthi had set a four-day deadline for mediators to persuade the Israeli occupation to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. He cautioned that if Israel did not comply, Yemen would resume its naval operations targeting Israeli interests.

During a press conference on Tuesday, al-Houthi underscored the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and criticized various Arab and Muslim governments for their inadequate responses to address the crisis. He declared that the Yemeni Armed Forces were prepared to take military action should the blockade on Gaza persist beyond the deadline, stating, “military actions will begin immediately once the deadline expires.”

In response to these developments, Hebrew media reported that the Israeli Air Force has heightened its alert level and enhanced its air defense systems. This precautionary measure comes amid fears of potential drone and ballistic missile attacks that could be launched from Yemen. The Israeli Kan channel noted that the Air Force had bolstered air defense systems and deployed fighter jets to patrol the skies.

Despite the increased readiness of the Israeli military, reports from the Israeli Home Front Command indicated that there had been no adjustments to civilian safety guidelines. Furthermore, Israeli media highlighted disruptions to the GPS system in central Israel, which were attributed to the possibility of attacks originating from Yemen.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has welcomed the Yemeni announcement, describing it as a “bold step” aimed at pressuring Israel and its allies to reopen crossings and facilitate humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. The Gaza-based resistance group emphasized that this courageous stance reflects the authenticity and bravery of the Yemeni people in supporting their counterparts in Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause.

In a statement, PIJ reiterated, “It reaffirms the unity of position against occupation and oppression. Through this announcement, the Yemeni people have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and standing by their resistance in the face of ongoing Zionist aggression.” The statement further urged all Arab and Islamic nations to adopt similar positions that would fortify the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and uphold their legitimate rights.

The group Hamas has also expressed its support for Yemen’s stance. They highlighted that the Zionist occupation continues to entirely close the crossings of the Gaza Strip, obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, which has intensified the suffering of over two million Palestinians. The closure of these border crossings has been condemned as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, which mandates the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid.

Hamas characterized the blockade as a breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, labeling it a war crime and an act of collective punishment that jeopardizes innocent civilians. The ongoing blockade has critically limited the influx of food, medicine, fuel, and vital relief supplies, resulting in soaring food prices and dwindling medical resources, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Moreover, the restriction on the entry of heavy machinery has severely hampered recovery efforts, making it difficult to retrieve bodies, repair infrastructure, and rebuild devastated areas, further compounding the hardships faced by residents. Hamas has called on mediators to pressure authorities to reopen the crossings and facilitate the delivery of aid.

In conclusion, condemning the use of humanitarian aid as a political weapon, Hamas asserted that such aggressive measures would not deter the resolve of the Palestinian people. Despite the dire circumstances, the movement emphasized their determination to persist in the struggle until they achieve their legitimate rights.