Haifa: The Yemeni Houthi group has announced a naval blockade on the Israeli port of Haifa, situated on the Mediterranean coast. This move comes as a response to the ongoing Israeli offensive and blockade on Gaza, as declared late Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the group's military spokesman Yahya Saree issued a statement warning commercial vessels to avoid the port. Saree emphasized that all companies with ships currently in or en route to Haifa should heed the contents of their statement, as it is now considered a target. He further clarified that the group's actions and decisions concerning Israel would cease if the aggression on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted.
This announcement from the Houthi group coincides with disruptions in flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, amidst an ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and the Houthi group. The Houthis have been active since November 2023, targeting commercial shipping across the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in the death of nearly 53,500 people due to the Israeli offensive.