Houthi rebels have recently announced the escalation of their attacks on merchant ships, reversing their earlier decision in May to suspend assaults on commercial shipping.

Despite the previous announcement of a ceasefire, the group resumed hostilities in early July, sinking two bulk carriers in the Red Sea. The Greek-owned MV Magic Seas came under fire from guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), while the Liberia-flagged MV Eternity C, which was carrying aid, was destroyed the following day by sea drones and RPGs.

In their latest statement, the Houthis have vowed to target vessels belonging to companies that trade with Israel, regardless of the ship’s flag. This suggests that ships that don’t dock in Israeli ports could still be at risk if their carriers call there on other routes.

This announcement is framed as a response to the ongoing situation in Gaza and raises the risks for vessels navigating the Red Sea. Major shipping lines, including Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, Yang Ming, and ONE, now face heightened threats and have been urged to proceed through the region with “extreme caution.”

This recent development will likely prolong the ongoing diversion of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.