After a ceasefire was declared in Gaza, Houthi-controlled Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) announced on Sunday that the group would halt attacks on non-Israeli-linked commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The decision marks a shift in strategy for the Yemen-based rebels, who have targeted over 100 merchant vessels since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, resulting in two ships sunk, one captured, and the deaths of four sailors.

The HOCC stated that attacks on U.S. and U.K.-affiliated ships, which had also been targeted since November 2023, would cease immediately. However, it warned that such actions would resume if these nations continued airstrikes against Houthi forces. 

The HOCC clarified that attacks on Israeli-linked vessels would continue until all phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, scheduled to conclude in five weeks, are implemented.

The Red Sea, particularly the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a vital maritime corridor linking Europe and Asia, and disruptions have already halved traffic, impacting Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues.

Since November 2023, U.S. and coalition forces have conducted over 260 airstrikes on Houthi targets, while U.S.-led naval forces have intercepted missiles and drones launched at vessels in the Red Sea. 

The Houthi declaration comes amid broader geopolitical uncertainties, including the recent inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who may consider re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. 

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden revoked the designation during his term, citing the need to mitigate one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. It remains uncertain how the Trump administration will respond to the conflict with the Houthis.