Yemen’s Houthis declare ‘total ban’ on Israeli ships in Red Sea

(Al Arabiya) Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a missile attack on Israel on Monday and declared a ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, raising the specter of a return to major disruption on the key route. The Houthis harassed cargo ships in the vital seaway during the Israel-Hamas war, forcing many companies into a lengthy detour around the tip of southern Africa. Their threat comes as the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Gulf sea and its energy exporters, remains blockaded by Iran as a result of the Middle East war with the US and Israel. “We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea,” said a statement from the Houthis’ armed forces. – Yemen’s Houthis declare ‘total ban’ on Israeli ships in Red Sea