Houthis announce naval blockade on Haifa port in response to Gaza assault
The Houthis announced on Monday, May 19, the imposition of a naval blockade on the port of Haifa in occupied Palestine, declaring it a new target in their military operations.
The move, they said, is in response to what they described as 'Israel's' escalating "brutal aggression" against civilians in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement, the Yemeni military said Haifa port is now officially part of its "target bank" and warned all companies with ships docked at or heading to Haifa to take the announcement seriously. “From the moment this statement was issued, Haifa Port has entered our list of active targets,” the statement read.
The declaration comes as 'Israeli' forces intensify their operations in Gaza, with daily airstrikes killing hundreds and destroying residential neighborhoods. The Yemeni Armed Forces said their decision was in response to the "genocidal war" being carried out in Gaza, the ongoing siege and starvation, and 'Israel’s' refusal to end its offensive or lift the blockade.
The statement added that the blockade on Haifa follows what the group described as a successful naval embargo on Eilat port (referred to by Yemen as Umm al-Rashrash), which it claims has ceased operations due to Yemeni attacks in recent months.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces, by the grace of God and in fulfillment of the leadership’s directives, have begun implementing a maritime ban on Haifa port,” the statement said. “This decision supports the Palestinian people and their resistance, and we will not hesitate to take additional measures if necessary.”
The armed forces stressed that all military decisions targeting 'Israel', including support operations and bans on maritime and aerial navigation, will remain in effect until 'Israel' halts its aggression and lifts the blockade on Gaza.
In closing, the Yemeni military reiterated its commitment to the Palestinian cause and resistance, stating, “Victory belongs to Yemen and to all the free people of the nation.”
