Who Are Houthi Rebels And Why They Are Attacking Red Sea Ships

Several major shipping companies are avoiding their commute through the Red Sea after attacks by Houthis in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

Yemen's Houthi Revolutionary Committee's president Mohammad Ali Al-Houthi attends an armed parade on December 20, 2023 in Amran province, Yemen. The rebel group has been attacking Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea in support of Hamas. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

The already complex and tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East has been fuelled further after Houthis of Yemen declared their support for Hamas in its war against Israel saying they will target any ship travelling to Israel.  It is not clear whether all of the ships attacked by Houthis were heading there but since then they have attacked several commercial vessels with drones and ballistic missiles.  Last month, the rebel group said it seized what it said was an Israeli