Yemen Ceasefire Agreement Excludes Israel, Shipping Tensions Remain

A ceasefire agreement between Yemen's Houthi rebels (also known as Ansarallah) and the United States, mediated by Oman, has been reached, aiming to halt mutual attacks and ensure the safe passage of shipping in the Red Sea. The deal stipulates that both sides will stop targeting each other, with the Houthis agreeing to cease attacks on US vessels in exchange for the US halting its airstrikes. However, Houthi officials have clarified that the agreement does not cover Israel in any way, leaving open the possibility of continued Houthi operations against Israeli targets. This exclusion has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation involving Israel, especially following recent Houthi missile attacks near Israeli territory and subsequent Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. While there have been no reported Houthi attacks on shipping since January, the situation remains fragile given the unresolved tensions with Israel. The ceasefire offers a partial respite, but broader regional hostilities persist.