The roots of the escalating Red Sea crisis trace back to Israel's military actions in Gaza, argues Emirati strategist Ebrahim Hashem in a recent CGTN interview. As global shipping routes face disruptions due to Houthi attacks in Yemen, Hashem highlights the broader geopolitical tensions fueling the turmoil.
Gaza Conflict Fuels Regional Unrest
Hashem emphasized that the Houthi strikes on Red Sea shipping lanes—which handle 12% of global oil trade and 60% of China-Europe commerce—are a direct response to Israel's offensive in Gaza. \"The root causes are not in Yemen, but in Gaza and the West Bank,\" he stated, linking the maritime disruptions to demands for humanitarian aid access and an end to Israel's attacks.
Legality of Airstrikes Questioned
Recent U.S.-UK-led airstrikes on Houthi targets have drawn scrutiny. While a UN Security Council resolution condemned Houthi actions, Hashem noted it didn’t explicitly authorize military intervention. \"Will bombing mobile militia groups solve anything?\" he asked, suggesting the focus should address Gaza's humanitarian crisis instead.
Global Economic Ripple Effects 🌐💸
With 20% of container traffic passing through the Red Sea, prolonged disruptions could spike oil prices and inflation. Hashem warned of potential supply chain issues akin to pandemic-era challenges, \"impacting everything from European energy bills to Asian manufacturing.\"
