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Date: 17/01/2025

Shipping adopts wait n watch policy on Gaza ceasefire deal and potential end to Red Sea crisis

The shipping industry is now looking towards the Houthis of Yemen to see if they will stop targeting merchant ships and bring an end to the Red Sea shipping crisis after Israel and Hamas agreed on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, as per reports. In support of Hamas, the Houthis had initiated a campaign against merchant ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, targeting more than 100 vessels since November 2023, leading to a major rerouting for most ships heading between Asia and Europe.  
 
A Houthi spokesman posted on X celebrating the ceasefire but did not indicate whether the attacks on commercial shipping would end. Shipping lines currently diverting around Africa will want to see not only the ceasefire hold, but also see some meaningful traction on the negotiations for phases two and three of the ceasefire as well as seeing some meaningful statements from the Houthis in terms of no longer targeting merchant vessels, the reports said.
 
Source: Exim News Service: Jeddah, Jan. 16