Tehran – Yemeni military has resumed ban on Israeli ships from docking at the regime’s ports.
The move shows support for the Palestinian people and comes after the deadline to end the Israeli lockdown in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Yemeni military announced that it would implement the ban in certain operating areas, including the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
The Yemeni military said the action responds to the ongoing suffering of the Palestinians and supports fighter fighters.
The decision comes after a deadline set by Ansalala leader Abdul Malik al-Haucci, mediators demanded that Israel resume the border intersection and allow humanitarian assistance to Gaza. These efforts have failed.
Yemeni Army spokesman Brigadier General Yahiya Sali confirmed that the ban came into effect immediately at 11:50pm local time on Tuesday.
He warned that Israeli ships attempting to break the blockade will be “targeted within the declared operational zone.”
Sally added that the ban will remain in effect until Gaza’s border crossings resume and essential aid, including food and medicine, is allowed to enter.
The Yemeni army also expressed solidarity with “the resilient Palestinians of the occupied Gaza and the West Bank,” confirming their support for the Palestinian resistance front.
On March 7, Ansarlah leader Abdul Malik al-Haucci set a four-day deadline to persuade mediators to persuade Gaza to take over Israel and allow humanitarian assistance.
He warned that if Israel fails to comply, Yemen would resume naval operations targeting Israeli interests.
On Tuesday, Al Houghti stressed the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, criticizing the Arab and Muslim governments for their lack of serious efforts to deal with the crisis.
He emphasized that if Gaza blockade continues even after the deadline, Yemeni forces are ready to take military action.
The Ansalala leader declared that “military action will begin as soon as the deadline expires.”
The Hebrew media reported that the Israeli Air Force has raised vigilance levels and strengthened its air defense system.
The move comes amid concerns over potential drone and ballistic missile attacks launched from Yemen.
Israeli Kang Channel reported that the Air Force has strengthened its air defense systems and deployed fighter jets to patrol the air.
Despite rising alerts, the news outlet said Israeli Homefront Command had not made any changes to private safety guidelines.
Israeli media also reported disruptions in the GPS system in central Israel. This is due to concerns over potential attacks originating from Yemen.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) welcomed the Yemen announcement, describing it as “a bold step aimed at resuming crossovers on the entities and their sponsors and pressureing them to allow humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.”
The Gaza-based resistance group said the courageous position “reflects the credibility and courage of the Yemeni people who support the Gaza brothers and support the Palestinian people’s causes and their resistance.”
In a statement, PIJ noted: “We reaffirm the unity of our position on occupation and oppression. Through this announcement, Yemeni people have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinians and standing by the side of resistance in the face of ongoing Zionist attacks.”
The statement continued, “I call on all Arab and Islamic countries to take a similar position in strengthening the immobility of our people and supporting their legitimate rights.”
Hamas also welcomed Yemeni stance.
The group said, “The Zionist occupation (regulation) continues to completely close the intersections of the Gaza Strip, preventing humanitarian aid and basic supplies from entering, exacerbating the suffering of more than 2 million Palestinians in the region.”
The closure of border crossings has been accused of a violation of a ceasefire agreement that requires unlimited entry in humanitarian aid.
Hamas emphasized that the move violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva treaties, and describes it as an act of war crimes and collective punishment that puts innocent civilians at risk.
The lockdown has significantly restricted the flow of food, medicine, fuel and essential relief supplies, increasing food prices and reducing healthcare resources. This has exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian crisis significantly.
Furthermore, preventing the intrusion of heavy machines is hampering efforts to recover bodies, repair infrastructure, rebuild damaged areas and exacerbate residents’ suffering.
Hamas has called on mediators to put pressure on the competent authorities to resume crossings and to promote the provision of aid.
Condemning the use of humanitarian aid as a political tool, Hamas argued that these aggressive measures would not undermine people’s resolve.
Despite the difficulties, the movement said it remained determined that Palestinians would continue their struggle until they achieved legitimate rights.