Description: In response to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid and the seizure of electricity in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on civilian and military ships in the region. Israeli delegation has arrived in Qatar to resume the US – led ceasefire negotiations and has seized the supply of electricity in larger parts of the Strip as means to force Hamas into continued hostage exchanges. The Houthis have previously conducted hundreds of attacks on civilian and military targets mostly in the Bab al – Mandab straight and caused considerable disruptions in the supply chain industry, as the straight is one of the key global trade routes.
Impact: The Iranian backed Houthis have shown to be detrimental to US and Israel’s ambitions and aspirations in the region. With the Gaza ceasefire hanging in the balance, the terrorist organization represents Iran’s regional interests and influence as they control the flow in a key global trade route which previously caused serious disruptions in the supply chain industry and market fluctuations. The conflict between Israel and Hamas currently is at a stagnant phase with no expedient resolution in sight. The Houthis would continue to influence the continuance of negotiations through threats if and whether diplomatic initiatives from the US and Arab mediators fail to deliver.