Houthis announce military escalation, begin fourth phase of ‘Israel’ blockade

Yemen’s Armed Forces, led by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement, announced Sunday the launch of a new phase in their military operations targeting "Israel"-linked maritime activity, in response to the continued genocide in Gaza.

In a statement delivered by military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the group said it would begin Phase Four of its naval blockade, targeting all ships belonging to any company that deals with "Israeli" ports, regardless of nationality or destination.

The escalation comes amid what Saree described as “unprecedented and horrific massacres” committed by the Israeli Occupation in Gaza, and “shameful Arab, Islamic, and international silence.” He said the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza imposes a religious, moral, and human responsibility on Yemen.

The statement warned that any company continuing to operate with "Israeli" ports would see its vessels “targeted anywhere they can be reached by our missiles and drones.”

Saree emphasized that the Yemeni military’s actions were a reflection of its “moral and humanitarian commitment to the oppressed Palestinian people.” He added that all military operations would immediately cease upon a full end to the war on Gaza and the lifting of the blockade.

The Houthis called on all countries to pressure "Israel" to halt its aggression and siege on Gaza, saying, “No free person on this earth can accept what is happening.”