Sanaa: Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has issued a four-day deadline to Israel, demanding the allowance of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, warning of a resumption of naval operations against Israel if the demand is unmet. This announcement was made during a speech broadcasted by Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, where al-Houthi accused Israel of reneging on commitments under a ceasefire agreement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Houthi leader accused Israel of attempting to implement a "policy of genocide through starvation in Gaza," an act he stated "cannot be tolerated." Al-Houthi emphasized the urgency by giving a four-day timeline to the ceasefire mediators, after which naval operations against Israel would resume if the blockade on aid persists.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have been conducting missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli interests and cargo ships in the Red Sea as an act of solidarity with Gaza. This escalates the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following Israel's decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to engage in the second phase of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas has further complicated the situation.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been severe, with over 48,400 Palestinians killed, predominantly women and children, and more than 111,800 injured due to the Israeli military actions since October 2023. The conflict, which has devastated the Gaza Strip, saw a temporary pause under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement initiated on January 19.

Further complicating the international legal landscape, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.