Brigadier Yahya Saree, Houthi military spokesperson. The Houthis have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since the Israeli invasion of Gaza began on 7 October. AP
The latest warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding waters following a series of maritime attacks by Houthi rebels since the start of Israel's war on the Gaza Strip.
In a statement posted on social media, the Houthis said they "will prevent the passage of ships heading to the Zionist entity" if humanitarian aid is not allowed into Gaza.
The Houthis have recently attacked ships they claim to have direct links to Israel, but their latest threat expands the scope of their targets.
Regardless of which flag ships sail under or the nationality of their owners or operators, Israel-bound vessels "will become a legitimate target for our armed forces", the statement said.
Last week, the Houthis attacked two ships off the Yemeni coast, including a Bahamas-flagged vessel, claiming they were Israeli-owned.
And last month, the rebel forces seized Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-linked cargo vessel.
"We warn all ships and companies against dealing with Israeli ports," the latest Houthi statement said.
It added that all "ships linked to Israel or that will transport goods to Israeli ports" are not welcome in the Red Sea, a vital channel for global trade linked to the Suez Canal.
Beyond maritime attacks, the Houthis have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since the Israeli invasion of Gaza began on 7 October.
The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza says Israel has killed at least 17,700 people, mostly women and children, and injured tens of thousands more.
The spike in maritime incidents prompted G7 foreign ministers at a meeting earlier this month to urge the rebels to cease threats to international shipping and to release the Galaxy Leader.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online
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