In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Yemeni Armed Forces, led by the Houthi movement, have announced a complete ban on all Israeli-owned and Israeli-flagged vessels from transiting through key maritime routes, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The announcement was made on March 11 via an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), citing the expiration of a deadline previously set by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi. The deadline was intended to pressure Israel into reopening border crossings into Gaza and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
Threats of Military Action Against Violators
The Houthi forces have explicitly warned that any Israeli ship attempting to violate the ban will be deemed a legitimate target for military action. The group's statement reinforced that the ban will remain in effect until Israel complies with ceasefire agreements and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to Gaza.
On March 12, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), representing the Houthis, issued a separate statement holding Israel responsible for the ban. They accused Israel of failing to fully implement all phases of the ceasefire agreement and urged it to cease its military actions in Gaza, which have been ongoing since January 19.
Impact on Global Trade and Energy Supplies
The ban comes amid an already tense situation in one of the world's most crucial maritime chokepoints. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, located at the southern end of the Red Sea, is a key transit route for global trade and energy shipments.
Oil shipments through this route have seen a sharp decline, dropping from 6.9 million barrels per day in 2023 to 2.5 million barrels per day in 2024. Similarly, traffic through the Suez Canal—another major passage linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean—has also fallen significantly, from 7.9 million barrels per day to 3.9 million barrels per day. These figures, reported by S&P Global Commodities at Sea, indicate a substantial disruption in energy supply chains.
Additionally, LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers have been largely avoiding the Red Sea and the Suez Canal due to increased attacks on merchant vessels. In a rare exception, an Oman-based LNG carrier, the Salalah LNG, recently transited through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea in February. However, most major shipping companies remain reluctant to risk passage through the region, given the heightened security threats.
Geopolitical Implications and Future Outlook
The Houthis’ decision to impose this ban marks a dramatic escalation in their campaign against Israel and its allies. It is likely to worsen tensions in an already volatile region, with potential ripple effects on international shipping, energy markets, and diplomatic relations.
Maritime security analysts warn that continued disruptions in the Red Sea could lead to higher shipping costs, increased insurance premiums, and further instability in global trade. Additionally, the potential for military escalation remains a significant concern, especially if Israeli or allied forces attempt to challenge the ban through military means.
As global powers monitor the situation closely, the enforcement of this ban underscores the growing influence of the Houthis in regional geopolitics and their ability to disrupt critical trade routes. With no immediate resolution in sight, the international community is bracing for further developments that could reshape the maritime security landscape in the Middle East.
