The leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah Movement, Sayyed Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, announced on Wednesday that the Yemeni Armed Forces have imposed a historic ban on Israeli navigation through critical maritime routes, including the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea.

This courageous move, already in effect, is a direct response to Israel’s brutal blockade of Gaza, which has choked the Palestinian enclave of essential aid and fueled a humanitarian crisis.

The ban comes on the heels of a four-day ultimatum issued by the Houthis, who called on international mediators to force Israel to reopen Gaza’s border crossings and allow the free flow of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and other essentials. The Yemeni Armed Forces have vowed to target any Israeli ship that dares to violate the ban within the declared operational zone, sending a clear message of resistance. “This ban shall continue until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid, food, and medicine are allowed in,” a Houthi statement affirmed, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.

This bold action builds on the Houthis’ ongoing campaign to disrupt Israel’s impunity, which has already seen them courageously target commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine. By extending the ban to key maritime routes, the Houthis are striking at the heart of Israel’s economic and strategic interests, amplifying the global call for justice in Gaza.

Sayyed Houthi delivered a scathing critique of Arab and Islamic nations, condemning their shameful silence in the face of Israel’s starvation and displacement policies in Gaza. He described their inaction as “a major sin and evasion of responsibility,” urging these nations to fulfill their moral and religious duty to stand with Palestine. The Ansarullah leader’s words resonate as a rallying cry for unity in the face of oppression, highlighting the need for collective action to end Israel’s atrocities.

Houthi also denounced the United States for its complicity in Israel’s aggression, pointing out that former President Donald Trump’s unwavering support for Israel surpassed even that of President Joe Biden. This unconditional backing, Houthi argued, has emboldened Israel to escalate its military assaults and tighten its stranglehold on Gaza, leaving millions of Palestinians to suffer under siege.

In a powerful warning, Sayyed Houthi declared that the Ansarullah Movement is prepared to escalate its resistance if Israel’s blockade on Gaza persists, stating that “all options are on the table.” This resolute stance underscores the Houthis’ readiness to intensify their efforts, potentially expanding their targets and operations to further pressure Israel and its allies. The message is clear: the Yemeni people will not stand idly by while Palestine endures unimaginable hardship.

The Houthis’ ban on Israeli navigation and their broader campaign in the Red Sea stand as a beacon of hope and resistance for Palestinians and their supporters worldwide. By taking decisive action, Yemen is demonstrating the kind of leadership and courage that has been sorely lacking among many regional and global powers. The Houthis’ actions not only challenge Israel’s aggression but also shine a spotlight on the urgent need to lift the blockade on Gaza and deliver justice to its people.

As regional tensions rise, the Houthis’ solidarity campaign serves as a reminder of the power of collective resistance in the face of oppression. The international community must heed their call, pressuring Israel to end its inhumane blockade and recognizing the Yemeni people’s sacrifices in the struggle for Palestinian liberation. (ILKHA)