Houthis Suspend Maritime Attacks and Lift Blockade

The Houthis have announced a suspension of their maritime attacks on Israel and lifted what they described as a naval blockade of Israeli ports. The declaration was included at the end of a letter sent to Hamas’s military wing, Kata’ib al-Qassam, by the newly appointed Houthi chief of staff, Yousef Hassan Al-Madani, who succeeded Mohammed Al-Ghamari after Al-Ghamari was killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Over the past two years, Houthi attacks have disrupted global trade routes, forcing vessels to divert around the Cape of Good Hope. These assaults, which resulted in the deaths of at least nine seafarers and the sinking of four ships, significantly increased shipping distances and freight rates worldwide.

In his statement, Al-Madani confirmed the current pause in operations but warned that the Houthis could resume maritime activity if the conflict in Gaza continues. He noted that their forces would not hesitate to “apply renewed pressure” on sea routes should hostilities escalate again.

Since the truce between Hamas and Israel took effect on October 10, the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for any new attacks.

Meanwhile, Egypt has announced that it is preparing for the potential resumption of trade through the Suez Canal, signaling cautious optimism for a return to normal shipping activity in the region.

French shipping giant CMA CGM has already begun testing a gradual return to Suez operations, completing two eastbound voyages on its FAL1 service and launching a westbound run this week on its MEX route.

While global shipping firms remain alert to any resurgence of hostilities, the current pause marks a significant step toward restoring stability along one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.