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<p>The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has become increasingly complex and tense due to the Houthis of Yemen declaring support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel. </p>
<p>The Houthis have announced their intention to target any ships traveling to Israel, leading to attacks on several commercial vessels using drones and ballistic missiles. Even last month, the rebel group claimed to have seized an Israeli cargo ship.</p>
<p>In response to the attacks, major shipping companies, including the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and British Petroleum, diverted their ships away from the Red Sea. </p>
<p>In response, the United States has initiated an international naval operation, involving the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway, and Spain, to protect the affected ships.</p>
<p>Who Are The Houthis?</p>
<p>The Houthis, a religious revival movement founded in the 1990s, originated in Yemen’s far north and aimed to combat perceived corruption in the government. </p>
<p>Over the years, they engaged in conflicts with the national army and faced opposition from Saudi Arabia. The rebel group, aligning itself with the Iranian-led ‘axis of resistance’ against Israel and the West, gained power during the civil war of 2014, capturing the capital, Sanaa.</p>
<p>In the current Middle East conflict, the Houthis declared attacks on Israel and pledged to continue until Israeli aggression stops. They also threatened to target all ships heading to Israeli ports, irrespective of nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports. </p>
<p>The alleged link between the Houthis and Iran has been a longstanding accusation, with the United States asserting that Tehran is deeply involved in planning the Houthi operations in the Red Sea, a claim denied by Iran. </p>
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