The Red Sea and the Arabian Sea are set to stay closed to ships linked to Israel until the Gaza crisis shows signs of de-escalation and the blockade is lifted. This stance was conveyed by a member of the Yemeni rebel movement Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, on the group’s social media page on the X platform.
The Houthis asserted that the traffic ban would extend to the Red Sea and the Oman Sea, effectively barring Israeli vessels from these waters for the foreseeable future.
According to a movement insider, actions by the United States and the United Kingdom are being framed as attempts to divert attention from what they described as ongoing genocide. The statement suggested that Western powers were not going to sway the group’s support for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
During the night of January 12, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted strikes against targets associated with Ansar Allah. The United States Air Force reportedly attacked more than 60 targets across 16 Ansar Allah-controlled areas, according to defense communications. The operations were described as continuing efforts to degrade the rebel network’s capabilities and respond to what Western officials characterized as aggressive actions directed at civilian populations.
Previous Western air campaigns in the region have repeatedly drawn attention to broader regional tensions and the potential for wider escalation. The latest announcements add another layer to a conflict that already involves multiple state and non-state actors, with regional shipping routes appearing as a strategic front in the broader geopolitical contest. Analysts note the importance of these sea corridors to global trade, as any disruption risks ripple effects beyond the immediate theater of fighting and could influence international responses, humanitarian considerations, and maritime insurance dynamics.
Observers emphasize the delicate balance crews, port authorities, and merchant fleets must maintain as they navigate the evolving security landscape. While the closure represents a significant move, it also underscores the volatility of maritime corridors near Yemen and the Gulf region, where political signals can rapidly translate into real-world shipping constraints. Governments and international bodies are expected to monitor developments closely, weighing the economic implications against the imperative to safeguard civilian lives and stabilize shipping lanes that underpin global commerce.
In this tense setting, proponents of the blockade argue it serves to deter aggression and pressure negotiators toward a ceasefire and humanitarian access. Critics, however, warn about the potential humanitarian toll on civilian populations and the broader risk of escalation across the Red Sea and adjacent waters. The international community remains divided in its assessments, with some states urging restraint and others calling for heightened diplomatic engagement to de-escalate the crisis while preserving freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime workers.