Mon Jan 20 12:50:20 UTC 2025: ## Houthi Rebels Limit Red Sea Attacks to Israeli Ships Amid Gaza Ceasefire
**Dubai, January 20, 2025** – Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a partial de-escalation of their attacks in the Red Sea, pledging to target only Israeli-affiliated vessels. This announcement, delivered Sunday via email to shipping companies, comes as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip enters its second day. While the move might seem conciliatory, it’s unlikely to fully restore traffic through the crucial Red Sea shipping lane, which has seen a 50% reduction in cargo and energy shipments since November 2023, significantly impacting Egypt’s Suez Canal revenue.
The Houthis, who have launched over 100 attacks on merchant vessels since October 2023, claim their targeting of ships linked to Israel, the U.S., and the U.K. was to pressure Israel to end its offensive in Gaza. However, many targeted ships had no connection to the conflict. The rebels have seized one vessel and sunk two, killing four sailors. US-led coalitions have intercepted numerous Houthi missiles and drones.
The recent slowdown in attacks, particularly at sea, may be attributed to over 260 US airstrikes targeting Houthi positions. However, the Houthis continue to launch drone and missile attacks against Israel, which has warned of further strikes on Houthi leadership. The incoming Trump administration’s stance on the Houthis remains unclear, raising concerns about potential future escalations. The Houthis’ email explicitly stated that attacks will resume against any nation that attacks them. The conflict has already claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and over 1,200 Israelis.
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