Titled: U.S. and Allies Form Security Alliance to Bolster Red Sea Ship Defense amid Houthi Attacks
Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict and escalating attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, the United States is spearheading a military security alliance with European and other partners. As reported by the U.S. Department of Defense, Operation Prosperity Guardian, is designed to enhance ship protection from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have increased their hostility towards Israeli-allied shipping. Germany is assessing a request to participate in the alliance.
Meanwhile, Israel persists with its unyielding war against Hamas in Gaza, simultaneously facing deteriorating conditions on its northern border with Lebanon.
A new wave of attacks on merchant vessels
According to US military intelligence, there have been renewed assaults on two vessels in the southern Red Sea. On Monday, the tanker Swan Atlantic was targeted by a Houthi-controlled drone and a rocket, while the freighter M/V Clara reported an explosion nearby. Thankfully, no casualties were recorded in either incident.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, the Houthi rebels based in Yemen have continually targeted vessels with drones and missiles, aiming to thwart transit to Israel. Even a container freighter belonging to German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd was rendered a victim of their wrath. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has characterized this as a global challenge calling for combined action.
Israel: Waging war against "Iranian Terror Axis"
Addressing the subsequent events in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posited that the conflict was, in actuality, a war led by the United States, as global forces align against the Iranian "axis of terror." This Iranian threat allegedly seeks to seal the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait, thereby impeding navigational freedom. Concurrently, Netanyahu declared Israel's commitment to achieving a comprehensive defeat against Hamas in Gaza.
Israel accuses Hezbollah of perpetual escalation
Although Israel's focus remains on the Gaza Strip, its confrontations along the northern border with Lebanon are escalating. Israel's military has warned Hezbollah, a Shia militia linked to Iran, of looming conflict, stating that the tense situation is dangerously close to erupting into war. Military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus voiced his concern, stating, "We are closer to war today than we were yesterday."
Hezbollah, accused of engaging in a persistent and systematic escalation, is embroiling Lebanon in a perilous war, according to Israel. Diplomatic measures to resolve the conflict are being vigorously pursued. In the absence of this, Israel has prepared to utilize its capabilities to facilitate the return of Israeli civilians to their homes in the border region.
Hamas-hostage negotiations and new footage released
Meanwhile, the US Government is reportedly engaged in fresh negotiations to secure the release of hostages detained by Hamas in Gaza. US National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby mentioned that while progress is being made, no definitive agreement is yet imminent. A potential deal would likely entail a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Rumors have circulated that the head of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, has been involved in discussions with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Abdulrahman Al Thani, aimed at securing the hostages' release. When addressing these allegations, Kirby remained noncommittal, citing confidentiality requirements associated with U.S. intelligence operations.
On Monday, Hamas published fresh footage of Israeli hostages held in captivity, in which three elderly men can be seen, one of whom addresses the camera in Hebrew. It remains unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded and when it was filmed. The hostages are believed to have been kidnapped from an Israeli border kibbutz, subsequently transported to Gaza.
What to expect on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the United Nations Council on Human Rights will convene to discuss the precipitous humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The UN council will provide updates related to the events that have unfolded in this conflict-ridden region.
