Yemen’s Houthi rebels have indicated a cessation of their assaults on Israel and maritime traffic in the Red Sea as a fragile truce remains in effect in the Gaza Strip. In an undisclosed communication to Hamas’ Qassam Brigades shared online by the group, the Houthis have made it clear that their attacks have been suspended. The message from Maj.-Gen. Yusuf Hassan al-Madani, the Houthi military’s chief of staff, warned of resuming military actions within Israel’s territory and reinstating the prohibition on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas if Israel renews its hostilities against Gaza.
Although the Houthis have not officially acknowledged the suspension of their activities in the region, there have been no reported attacks attributed to the rebel group since the ceasefire commenced on October 10. The Houthis gained global attention during the Israel-Hamas conflict for their assaults on ships and Israel, purportedly to pressure Israel to cease its military operations. Despite the rebels claiming that their targets were vessels affiliated with Israel, there has been minimal, if any, connection between the attacked ships and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least nine sailors and the sinking of four vessels, disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea, a crucial route for goods transportation valued at around $1 trillion annually prior to the conflict. The most recent strike by the rebels took place on September 29, targeting the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht, causing one fatality and injuring another crew member.
The disruptions in the Red Sea have significantly impacted transit through Egypt’s Suez Canal, a vital source of revenue for Egypt, generating $10 billion in 2023 amidst economic challenges. The International Monetary Fund has estimated that the Houthi attacks led to a $6 billion reduction in foreign exchange earnings from the Suez Canal in 2024. While traffic has slightly increased during the lull in attacks, many shipping companies are opting to circumnavigate Africa via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The United States conducted a series of airstrikes targeting the rebels earlier this year, with President Donald Trump halting the campaign before his visit to the Middle East. The Biden administration also carried out strikes against the Houthis, utilizing B-2 bombers to target alleged underground bunkers used by the rebel group.