In the wake of recent strikes on vessels in the Red Sea, a regional discussion emerged regarding Spain’s stance amid Israel’s Gaza conflict. The conversation highlighted Spain’s decision not to join the United States-led coalition intended to secure navigation in the Red Sea. This stance was framed as a stand against what some describe as pressure from Western powers over maritime security.
“Spain’s position is valued for resisting what is viewed as external pressure about maritime routes”, stated a spokesperson linked to the Yemeni authorities based in Sana’a, the capital city.
The Sana’a leadership expressed a hope that such rational positions would endure and broaden, a message relayed through social media channels.
Head of the rebels’ Revolutionary Committee, the group running a de facto administration since their takeover of Sana’a, argued that the disengagement of some nations from the coalition tests its effectiveness. He added that countries choosing not to participate are prioritizing national interests over the broad coalition’s goals.
Regarding Israel, the statement suggested that the coalition’s announcement was driven by Israel and warned that Washington may not address the issue of safeguarding shipping. It claimed that safety of navigation is compromised by military actions in the Red Sea.
A further note emphasized that any danger to the Suez Canal stems from the coalition’s steps, drawing attention to the high-level remarks circulating online. Responsibility for consequences was attributed to the United States and participating states.
The leadership reiterated that any aggressive operation against Yemeni people would threaten ships and interests of the coalition members. Yemeni forces pledged to respond with missiles, aircraft, and other operations if necessary. The goal was framed as preventing escalation and protecting navigation, with a call to halt Israeli actions in Gaza and to ease the blockade by distributing essential goods such as food and medicine.
The Spanish Defense Ministry on a parallel track announced it would not join an operation named Guardian of Prosperity and proposed a new European mission aimed at maximizing effectiveness. A senior official said the plan envisions a specific, targeted mission rather than a broad deployment.
The defense portfolio, chaired by a Spanish minister, noted that Spain does not possess veto power. The European Union mission in the Red Sea was discussed in the context of past debates about altering the authorization of the Atalanta operation to support a broader U.S.-led effort.
Attacks in the Red Sea
The Yemen-based Houthis, who have controlled parts of Sana’a and other northern and western regions since 2014, have continued to target ships flying under Israeli flags, those connected to Israeli businesses, or vessels bound for Israeli ports, despite the new multinational mission.
Houthi spokespeople maintained that the group would safeguard sea lanes in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf and assured that no threat would be directed at ships not associated with the hostile side, a reference to Israel.
Guardian of Welfare, a multinational effort established in 2022, is tasked with protecting international maritime routes, including areas like the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The operation involves a U.S.-led multinational framework and a naval task force dedicated to these waters.
Following October 7 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza, the Houthis intensified actions against Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea. Reports noted multiple drones and missiles launched at ships, with at least two vessels sustaining damage. This disruption prompted several carriers to suspend operations along this critical route, with some choosing to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope along the African coast.