According to the foreign secretary, the UK had no other choice but to take military action against the pro-Hamas group, Houthis, in Yemen due to their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Lord Cameron stated that the UK had provided the group “warning after warning” before it joined the US-led strikes this week. In an article in the Sunday Telegraph, he clarified that prices would increase in the UK if Houthis blocked important trade routes. Their attacks on cargo ships while citing the war in Gaza as the reason had forced major shipping companies to alter their routes. Lord Cameron emphasized that the UK was defending the “freedom of navigation” and would attack Houthi targets if their attacks continued.
The Houthis reportedly support Hamas and claim they target any ship travelling to or owned by Israel. Nevertheless, Lord Cameron indicated that the Houthi claim that their attacks were linked to the Gaza war was “nonsense.” “They’ve attacked ships from countries all over the world, heading to destinations right across the globe,” he wrote. The Houthis have performed at least 27 attacks since 19 November, according to the US, and have launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel.
The UK’s joint action with the US against Houthi targets began early on Friday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the attack as “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense.” On Saturday, a Houthi spokesman told Reuters that the strikes had no significant influence on the group’s ability to affect shipping. Mr. Sunak has been criticized by some opposition parties for not consulting Parliament ahead of the strikes. However, he is set to address MPs on the matter today in his first statement.
Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered in several cities on Friday in protest against the strikes, with many burning Israeli and American flags. The Houthis control north Yemen, the capital Sanaa, and the Red Sea coastline. They declare themselves to be part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US and the West overall. US President Joe Biden has stated that further retaliation against the Houthis will occur if the group persists with its “outrageous behavior.” A spokesman for the Houthis has said that there was “absolutely no justification” for the attacks and that the group would continue to target Israeli ships
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