The Yemen Houthi fighters gave Israel a four -day period to raise their blockade of food, medicine and aid to Gaza, threatening to resume “naval operations” against the country.
The ultimatum, issued late Friday, reports a possible climbing of the rebel group after their attacks were reduced in January following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
“We give to the whole world: we grant a deadline of four days,” said group, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, in a video press release.
“This deadline is to allow mediators to continue their efforts. If, after these four days, the Israeli enemy persists in preventing the entry of Aid to Gaza, maintains the complete closure of level passages and continues to block the entry of food and medicine in Gaza, we will resume our naval operations against the Israeli enemy, “he said.
The Houthis, which are supported by Iran, launched more than 100 attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden after the War of Israel against Gaza, saying that the raids were in solidarity with the Palestinians in the enclave.
During this period, the fighters sank two ships, took another and killed at least four seafarers in an offensive that disrupted worldwide navigation, forcing companies to get back to longer and more expensive trips to southern Africa.
The Houthis have also launched dozens of missile and drone attacks against Israel, killing at least one person and causing damage to buildings, including a school in Tel Aviv.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has redesigned the Houthis as an “terrorist” organization earlier this week.
There was no immediate commentary by Israel on the Houthi threat.
Hamas praised the announcement.
“The courageous decision … is an extension of the support and assistance positions that they (the Houthis) provided during 15 months of war … in Gaza,” said the Palestinian group.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, also said in February that they would take military measures if the United States and Israel are trying to force Palestinians from Gaza.
Their ultimatum comes as the blockade of Israel on the whole aid to Gaza entered the seventh day.
The headquarters began on March 2 after Israel denied the cease-fire agreement and sought to extend the first stage of the three-phase agreement which expired last week, without undertaking to end the war against Gaza.
The United Nations, the rights for the defense of rights and countries around the world say that the Israeli blockade could constitute a war crime.
The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHC), in a statement, said that Israeli action had increased prices to Gaza and led to anxiety about a return to bombardment and famine.
He noted that the blockade also occurs when the health authorities have indicated that at least eight babies, whose families have sheltered in fragile makeshift tents, have died of the cold in the last two weeks.
“As a occupying power, Israel has the legal obligation to ensure the supply of the necessities of life to the Palestinians living under its control,” said the Ohch. “Any refusal to enter the necessities of life for civilians can constitute a collective sanction. The use of hunger and famine as a weapon of war is a war crime. »»
The Palestinians say that the blockade has also led to shortages of medical supplies and hospitals who find it difficult to take care of the wounded during the war.
Tareq Abu Azzoum of Al Jazeera, reported by Khan Younis in southern Gaza, said that health workers were trying to do their best to continue providing essential medical services.
“We are talking about more than 100,000 injured who have injuries from Israeli military attacks against Gaza. And now, this ban has triggered enormous concerns about two important problems: fuel and medical supplies, “he said.
“Hospitals and medical centers desperately need fuel to help medical teams continue to provide services. The vast majority of hospitals rely on emergency generators and now the ban on incoming fuel trucks, the situation is getting empire, “he added.
“And that should get worse in the coming days if there is no serious intervention.”
The War of Israel against Gaza killed at least 48,440 Palestinians and injured 111,845 others. Enclave authorities claim that the number of deaths should be at least 61,709 because thousands of Palestinians who disappeared under the rubble are presumed dead.
