Egypt issued a statement on Tuesday condemning threats by Yemen's Houthis to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The move was described as an irresponsible escalation that undermines regional stability and violates international law.
Egypt issued a statement on Tuesday strongly condemning threats by Yemen's Houthis to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the threats endanger the safety of maritime navigation, international trade, and vital waterways. It described the move as a blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The condemnation follows an announcement by the Houthis on Monday declaring a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis stated they were implementing the blockade against the Saudi enemy based on an eye for an eye equation, effective immediately, in response to what they called an unjust siege on Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition vowed to respond firmly to the threat against its commercial vessels. It described such threats as acts of maritime piracy and said it has begun implementing protection measures for its ships transiting through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
In its statement, Egypt stressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and all Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It expressed support for all measures taken to preserve their security and emphasised the importance of prioritising political and diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.