A spokesperson for the Houthis in Yemen announced today, Saturday, that the group is conducting talks mediated by the Sultanate of Oman with "international parties" regarding the ongoing "operations" in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. The statement did not specify the international parties involved in the discussions, nor did it mention the location or timing of the meetings, but it may indicate that the Houthis could be willing to de-escalate.
Spokesperson Mohammed Abdussalam emphasized that the Houthis' position "with Gaza is non-negotiable," stating that enemy ships (Israel) or those heading to its ports will remain targets until the aggression stops, the blockade on Gaza is lifted, and humanitarian aid flows continuously into the sector. He stated that "any real steps responding to the humanitarian situation" in Gaza by allowing the entry of food and medicine "would contribute to de-escalation."
The Houthis have launched attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in protest of the Israeli bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 19,000 Palestinians. The spokesperson added, "We have confirmed to everyone that the (Houthi) operations are in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and we cannot stand idly by in the face of the aggression and blockade the sector is facing."
The Houthi attacks have led some shipping companies to suspend their operations across the Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade and energy shipments between Europe and Asia.
