In response to the recent attacks on cargo ships from Houthi rebels, as seemingly a sign of solidarity with Hamas, the U.S. launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to provide security for the ships. Multiple countries have also joined the task force. However, the attacks have continued.
In light of the recent attacks, the U.S. has called upon the UN Security Council to take action against the Houthi rebels. In an article from CTVnews, International Maritime Organization Secretary, General Arsenio Dominguez, "told the council that as a result of the Houthi attacks, around 18 shipping companies have rerouted their vessels around South Africa to avoid the risk of being hit. Some 15 percent of international trade goes through the vital Red Sea area, and rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope represents an additional 10-day journey negatively impacting global trade, and increases freight rates.
In the same article, it's also reported that in another statement to the council U.S. Deputy Ambassador, Christopher Lu, "Stressed to the council that the Houthis have been able to carry out the attacks because Iran has supplied them with money and advanced weapons systems including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles" which disregards UN sanctions continuing with "We also know that Iran has been deeply involved in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea".
There is also a united statement from the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Making for 13 countries total with 7 of those 13 being superpowers.
According to the report from the Associated Press, the united statement is as follows: ""Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews,". The countries went on to say, "The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."
The conflict within the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas has resulted in widespread consequences on multiple levels and is placing a new level of stress on several countries thousands of miles away. It's still unclear whether Iran will cease its support for the rebels or if the UN themselves will take action.
