With the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen have announced that they will end their attacks in the Red Sea.
The Houthis declared that international merchant ships will be allowed to cross the Red Sea as long as the ceasefire remains in force. However, this explicitly does not apply to ships in Israeli possession or flying the Israeli flag, they said. Should the USA and Great Britain continue their attacks on the movement’s positions, this would also apply to ships from these two countries.
In support of Hamas, the Houthis launched their attacks on merchant ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the fall of 2023. More than 100 ships have been attacked since November 2023. Most shipping companies sail around the Cape of Good Hope.
The Houthis have repeatedly stated that their “campaign” will continue until Israeli forces leave the Gaza Strip.
According to media reports, shipbroker Braemar estimates that container shipping lines, in particular, are likely to wait and see how the situation in the Red Sea develops and whether the ceasefire turns into a genuine truce.
In other segments, the first ships could take the dangerous route sooner. One reason for this is that insurance policies for voyages through this region have risen sharply due to the increased risk. Experts estimate that it could take a while before they are adjusted. In the end, it is also a question of cost.
