Zhongjin learned that reports indicate that on July 27, local time, Houthi rebels in Yemen announced their intention to attack vessels of all shipping companies collaborating with Israeli ports, regardless of their destination or nationality.

A military spokesperson for the Houthi rebels stated that this marks the fourth phase of their response to Israeli military actions.

Since the outbreak of a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, Houthi rebels have increasingly utilized missiles and drones to target civilian ships crossing the Red Sea that have ties to Israel. They claim these attacks are in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza and are aimed at supporting the Palestinian people.

In a televised statement, a military spokesperson for the Houthi rebels warned that if the relevant companies ignore the warning, their vessels will be targeted regardless of their destination.

"The Yemeni armed forces call on all nations to exert pressure on the enemy to stop its aggression and lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip if they wish to avoid an escalation," he added.

Since Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthi rebels, allied with Iran, have been targeting vessels they believe are linked to Israel, citing it as a supportive action for Palestinians.

In May of this year, the United States unexpectedly reached an agreement with the Houthi rebels to halt bombing campaigns against them in exchange for the rebels ceasing attacks on vessels. However, the Houthi rebels have stated that this agreement does not extend to ceasing attacks on Israel.