Yemen's Huthi rebels warned on monday that Israeli ships are a "legitimate target" after their seizure of an Israel-linked cargo vessel added a new dimension to the Gaza battle. The Galaxy leader and its 25 multinational crew were apprehended on sunday, only days after the Iran-backed Huthis vowed to strike Israeli commerce over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Huthis, who have declared themselves to be part of Iran's "axis of resistance" of friends and proxies, have also launched a succession of drones and missiles towards Israel.

"Israeli ships are legitimate targets for us anywhere... and we will not hesitate to take action," Huthi military official Major General ali Al-Moshki told the group's Al-Massirah tv station.

Huthi threats to shipping at the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a chokepoint at the foot of the commercially significant red Sea, are expected to increase, according to analysts.

The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy leader is run by a Japanese company, although it has ties to Israeli billionaire Abraham "Rami" Ungar.

The Huthis said the seizure was in reprisal for Israel's battle against Hamas, which was launched by a Palestinian terrorist raid on october 7 that killed 1,200 people and captured 240 captives, according to Israeli officials.

According to the Gaza Strip's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 13,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel's aerial bombardment and military operations.

Sunday's ship capture "is only the beginning," Huthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul-Salam said in a statement posted on X, threatening further marine operations unless israel ends its Gaza war.

Iran-style boarding
The rebels published a video purporting to depict the seizure on sunday on Monday. The video shows masked armed men leaping from a helicopter onto the ship while it was still moving and holding crew members at gunpoint. On board, the Palestinian and Yemeni flags were raised.

The validity of the clip could not be independently verified by AFP.

According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the vessel was rerouted from turkey to india to the Yemeni port of Salif in Hodeida region.

According to Ambrey, the owner of the Galaxy leader, which transports automobiles and other vehicles, is Britain's Ray car Carriers, the parent firm of which belongs to Israeli billionaire Ungar.

The seizure was described by Israel's military as a "very grave incident of global consequence," while a US military official described it as a "flagrant violation of international law."
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SIBY JEYYA

21/11/2023 08:41 AM