Hamas has welcomed the announcement by the Yemeni Armed Forces to resume operations targeting Israeli-affiliated ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Yemen's move comes in response to the Israeli occupation's continued closure of crossings and its prevention of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, from reaching the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hamas described the Yemeni stance as a reflection of "the genuine position of the Yemeni people and their leadership, demonstrating a true commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their resistance." The group also emphasized that these actions serve as "real pressure to break the unjust siege imposed on Gaza."

Hamas further called on "the peoples of the region and freedom-loving individuals worldwide to escalate active efforts in pressuring the occupation and its supporters until the aggression ends, the siege on Gaza is lifted, and humanitarian aid is ensured for the besieged population."

Yemen resumes anti-Israeli operations

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced the resumption of their naval blockade on all Israeli ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Sanaa's decision comes after the expiration of the deadline set by Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi for mediators to pressure the Israeli occupation into reopening Gaza’s border crossings and allowing humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces declared the immediate enforcement of the blockade, warning that any Israeli vessel attempting to breach the restriction would be targeted within the designated operational zones.

The military stressed that the blockade would remain in place until the Israeli occupation complies with the demand to reopen Gaza’s border crossings and facilitate the entry of essential food and medical supplies.

The statement reaffirmed Yemen’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and reiterated its commitment to standing alongside the Palestinian Resistance.

Famine looming over Gaza

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned Tuesday that Gaza is facing the early stages of a real famine due to the Israeli occupation's continued blockade on the entry of food supplies for the tenth consecutive day. He stressed that the humanitarian situation has been dire since the beginning of the Israeli aggression.

In a statement, Qassem highlighted the severe food crisis gripping the besieged enclave, where essential supplies are running out under the ongoing blockade. He noted that the closure of border crossings constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulates the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid.

Hamas condemned the Israeli occupation's actions, calling the blockade a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

The movement described it as a flagrant war crime and collective punishment against civilians, warning that the siege has led to soaring food prices and a severe shortage of medical supplies amid an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.

The group also pointed out that the closure of crossings was hindering recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The ban on the entry of heavy equipment has obstructed relief teams from carrying out their duties.