- Houthis Enforce Shipping Ban on Israeli Vessels Amid Gaza Crisis.
- Israeli Ships Blocked from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.
- Houthi Fighters Declare Red Sea Passage Off-Limits to Israeli Ships.
The Yemeni Armed Forces declared on March 11 that all Israeli vessels are now banned from sailing through the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. The prohibition comes after a deadline given by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi for Israel to open border crossings and permit humanitarian aid into Gaza expired, reports S&P Global.
Enforcement Measures
The statement declares that any Israeli ship trying to breach the prohibition will be attacked within the operating zone designated by the Houthis. The step is one among a series of measures taken by the Houthis to put pressure on Israel into submission of their demands.
Reasoning Behind the Ban
On March 12, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) acting on behalf of Houthi fighters released an independent statement blaming Israel for not being able to implement the ceasefire deal fully. The centre asserted that the ban would continue as long as Israel halts its military activities in Gaza and allows food, medical supplies, and other forms of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
Particular Prohibitions on Israeli Ships
The prohibition covers vessels that are:
- Owned completely by Israeli individuals or entities
- Operating under the Israeli flag
The ban became operational on March 11 at 11:55 PM Yemen Standard Time (08:55 PM UTC).
Effects on International Shipping and Energy Transit
The blockade will also have massive implications for international trade and energy transport. Oil exports via the Bab al-Mandab Strait have already declined to 2.5 million b/d in 2024, from 6.9 million b/d in 2023. Likewise, oil transits through the Suez Canal decreased from 7.9 million b/d in 2023 to 3.9 million b/d in 2024, S&P Global Commodities at Sea says.
Also, LNG deliveries via the Red Sea and Suez Canal have been halted for more than one year as merchant vessels are being attacked more frequently. Yet, in an unusual gesture, Oman LNG vessel Salalah LNG passed the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea in February, which indicates possible changes in LNG shipping routes despite the risks.
Ongoing Developments
While the big shipping lines keep their distance from the region, the long-term implications of the ban are far from clear. The situation is watched closely for any shift in policy or further escalation of tensions in the maritime trade.
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Source: S&P Global
