A week ago, Israel halted all aid deliveries into Gaza and cut off electricity supplies on Sunday, sparking a strong reaction from Yemen's Houthi group. The Houthis had previously supported Gaza's Hamas by attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea and attempting to blockade Israel.

On March 8, the Houthi group released a video on their Telegram channel, issuing an ultimatum to Israel, demanding the reopening of aid to Gaza within four days, or else they would resume naval operations against what they called the "Israeli enemy."

A second video, released on March 9, showcased the Houthi group's attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea over the past two years, including the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader and missile and drone attacks on vessels passing through the area.

From late 2023 through last year, more than 100 ships were attacked. Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on January 19, the Houthis have halted attacks on commercial ships in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, ending a 14-month period of assaults that had forced many vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope.

Given the fragile nature of the ceasefire, many shipping companies, including major container carriers, continue to avoid the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, with expectations that normal transit will not resume until the second half of the year.

British maritime security expert Ambrey advised commercial ships to assess their association with Houthi targets and reevaluate the risks of navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.