The airstrike in Yemen constitutes an unapproved act of war, lacking international sanctions and causing an escalation in the Middle East. The involved parties are now positioning themselves for an inevitable and deadly conflict. The intense bombing of Houthi targets within the strife-ridden Arab state, embroiled in civil unrest since 2014, is claimed by the US and the UK to be in retaliation for months of attacks on Red Sea shipping.
The Houthis assert that they target Israel-bound ships to counter alleged “genocide” by the Netanyahu regime, responsible for the deaths of over 23,000 Gazans, predominantly women and children, and substantial infrastructure damage in the past 100 days.
The Houthi attack on Israeli vessels aimed to garner global attention in solidarity with Palestinians, sparing ships from other nations, including those of Israel’s Western allies. Major shipping companies began avoiding the Red Sea, prompting the US to assemble a coalition for ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian,’ which failed as regional states and even Western allies withdrew their support.
The air campaign seems like a desperate move by the predominant global maritime power to secure a crucial shipping route. The Houthis have issued threats of retaliation, raising concerns about a regional conflict that could impact the common interests shared by Arab and Muslim states with the US, despite reservations about the latter’s pro-Israel bias. This dangerous escalation highlights the incapacity of the US and the UK to promote peace in times of crisis.
This assault on the Houthis is likely to inflame sentiments across the Muslim world. The ongoing International Court of Justice hearing against Israel, charged with genocide in a petition by South Africa supported by Malaysia, is gaining momentum.
The US and its allies may face consequences, as witnessed in the post-October 7 Gaza episode, with widespread global protests against what is termed “Israel’s self-defense right.”
