Houthi Ldr-Attacks On Shipping To Continue As Long As War In Gaza Does

Wires carrying comments from Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stating that "We will continue our operations as long as Israel continues its crimes." His comments come as the UKMTO issues a warning of an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Aden, 85NM east of the city of the same name. The UKMTO states that the vessel's master has reported an explosion in close proximity to it, but no damage to the vessel or injuries to the crew.

• The attack comes a day after US forces intercepted a ship carrying weaponry they claim was from Iran and intended for the Houthis (see 1127GMT bullet).
• The situation in Gaza shows little sign of de-escalation,. Israeli forces are currently engaged in operations inside the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis (the IDF claims Hamas are using the hospital to shield its fighters), there remains the prospect of a larger assault on the southern city of Rafah, and there is also speculation of an uptick in tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border with Israel continuing airstrikes in southern Lebanon following Hamas shelling of Israel in recent days.