A New Front in The War?

As the Hamas-Israel war rages on, Yemen, of all the Arab and Muslim nations that offered their support for Gaza, is actively waging war. Waging war on merchant ships in the Red Sea, especially, if they are Israeli vessels or links, have stopped in Israeli ports, or are owned by Israeli/Jewish business interests.

Yemeni Houthi military released a very slick video of their operatives sliding down a rope onto the deck of a merchant ship. Exiting from a military helicopter, the Houthi militiamen were seen securing the ship. The militiamen then proceeded to the bridge and took over the ship. Some said the slick video was made to look like a Hollywood movie. To show the professionalism and seriousness of the Houthis, being true to their word, of fighting for the Palestinians.

The ship the 'Galaxy Leader' is still being held by the Houthis. The Houthis have stepped up attacks on transporter ships and container vessels. Using drones and missiles, the Houthis, opened a second front in the Hamas-Israel War. Of course, it could be argued, that the Houthis, have opened a third front. Hezbollah has been hitting Northern Israel, ever since Hamas launched its Oct 7 attack. Ever since, Israel retaliated with attacks on Gaza from land, sea, and air. So, Hezbollah, by hitting Israel with missiles opened up the actual second front.

US and UK warships in the Red Sea, have gone to the aid of merchant vessels. Shooting down incoming Houthi drones and missiles. The US has formed a naval coalition of nations. That will protect and defend, merchant vessels, tankers, and container ships, as they make way their way through the Red Sea. Despite this, the Houthis are not put off, they say they will turn the Red Sea, into the naval coalition's "graveyard"!

The US and others have sought to contain the war to just Israel and Gaza. Now, with the Houthis attacking merchant ships, the war has spread. In the naval coalition itself, there are no Muslim or Arab nations, bar one - Bahrain. Many Muslim and Arab nations dare not or will not support this naval coalition. It would be seen, as taking the side of Israel.

Arab nations and Muslim ones are staying out of the conflict. Yes, Iran and Turkey, may say they support Palestine, but they will not commit to war. Turkey, though a powerful military power is a member of NATO. Would Turkey be prepared to fight not only Israel but other NATO nations?

Iran does its fighting through its proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen. Iran will want to stay out of the conflict itself, at least, for the time being.

The US and others feel they must act. The attacks on merchant shipping are causing a financial headache for shipping companies like 'Maersk'. They are being forced to avoid the Red Sea and instead, sail around the African continent. This longer diversion is costing money and will affect the world economy. Whereas the Red Sea, is a shortcut, to the Mediterranean. This keeps costs down and deliveries are made to ports much quicker.

Another temporary ceasefire will come into place. This will allow the rest of the hostages to be released by Hamas. Also, many more Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel.

The Qataris, Egyptians, the UN, and the Americans, are intervening, to bring about a ceasefire. However, Netanyahu remains focused on one thing, destroying Hamas. Hamas will keep fighting as long as Israel is in Gaza. The world is calling for a permanent ceasefire, but so far, that is just a dream.

So as time goes on, moves are afoot, to bring peace, even a temporary one. However, the war has spread beyond the borders of Israel and Gaza. That is where the danger is and could lead to yet more terrifying acts by any of the sides involved.