Houthi Leader: Attacks on Ships Heading to Israel "Will Continue"

Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abd al-Salam indicated on Monday that "the group's position has not changed following the strikes led by the United States," affirming that "attacks will continue on ships heading to Israel." In an interview with Reuters, he stated: "Our stance on the events in Palestine and the aggression against Gaza has not changed and will not change, neither after the strike nor after the threats." He continued: "The attacks aim to prevent Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine." He pointed out that "our demand is to end the criminal aggression in Gaza and to allow humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to enter Gaza in both the north and the south." He added: "Our communications with the international community continue to clarify our position and to affirm that maritime vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas are safe for all ships in the world, except Israeli ships or those heading to Israel only." He stressed by saying, "We do not want escalation... but unfortunately, it is the American and British forces that are militarizing the Red Sea and filling it with warships and military vessels."