According to foreign media reports, the Houthi armed group in Yemen has announced that it will cease maritime operations against Israel and officially lift the maritime blockade on Israeli ports. This move signifies a significant shift in maritime security in the Red Sea.

This decision was communicated by the new Chief of Staff of the Houthi armed forces, Yusuf Hassan Madani, in a formal letter to the military faction Kassam Brigade within Hamas. Madani succeeded the former chief, Mohammed Ghamari, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

The decision indicates that vessels previously under threat of attack for docking at Israeli ports will no longer face such threats. However, maritime security experts continue to urge caution.

Martin Kelly, Head of Consultancy at EOS Risk Group, noted that while risks have decreased, they have not been completely eliminated.

"As of November 11th, the risk of attacks on maritime shipping in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the wider region has significantly decreased," Kelly stated. "However, despite the announcement of a cessation of operations, the Houthi armed group still has the capability to launch missile, drone, and unmanned vessel attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea."

In the letter, Al-Madani reiterated the Houthi armed group's support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause, and explicitly outlined the conditions for resuming attacks.

"We are closely monitoring developments and announce that if the enemy launches another aggression against Gaza, we will resume military operations and re-impose the ban on Israeli vessels sailing in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea," Al-Madani stated.

Kelly pointed out that the Houthi armed group's attacks on shipping are directly related to the conflict status between Israel and Hamas, meaning a serious violation of the current ceasefire agreement could lead to a resumption of attacks. Additionally, the organization's infrastructure, weapon reserves, and coastal launch sites remain fully operational.

Kelly advised that maritime operators should continue to perceive the risk as suppressed rather than eliminated, especially for vessels associated with Israel, its allies, or those perceived to be linked to Western interests.

Since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthi armed group began attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, severely disrupting one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes, forcing many ships to detour around Africa, significantly increasing costs, extending transit times, and consequently raising shipping prices.

Since the start of these attacks, the Houthi armed group has targeted over 100 commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea, sinking four ships, hijacking one vessel, and causing at least eight crew members to lose their lives.

While this temporary cessation of attacks provides some relief for the global shipping industry, the conditional nature of the statement and the capabilities retained by the Houthi armed group imply that maritime operators passing through the region must remain highly vigilant and continue to monitor changes in the security situation.