In recent months, the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea have not only bolstered the group's domestic recruitment efforts but also posed a threat to the fragile peace negotiations in Yemen. The attacks have provided the Houthi rebels with a much-needed boost after facing a decline in popularity. However, analysts caution that their increased activities could derail the ongoing talks towards a ceasefire after a decade-long war.

The Houthi rebels claim that their attacks in the Red Sea are aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its devastating war on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 22,000 people since October 7. To show their support for Gaza, the group organized a massive rally in the capital city of Sanaa, drawing millions of Yemenis who carried Palestinian and Yemeni flags. Meanwhile, the Houthis continued their missile and drone strikes in the Red Sea, disregarding the United States' warnings of potential military action.

As tensions escalate in the vital maritime waterway, international shipping companies have chosen to avoid the Red Sea altogether, opting for the longer route around the southern coast of Africa. This decision adds approximately nine days to their journey and increases costs by at least 15 percent. Danish shipping giant Maersk has already announced its decision to avoid the Red Sea indefinitely.

The Houthi rebels' objective in targeting commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which leads into the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, has led to concerns among shipping companies. Despite the international response and efforts to dissuade them, the Houthis have persisted in their attacks. The US Navy helicopters attacked four Houthi vessels on December 31, resulting in the death of ten fighters and the sinking of three boats.

In response to continued Houthi attacks, the US and its allies issued a final warning, demanding an end to ship targeting. However, the Houthis seemed defiant during their rally, with fighter planes flying overhead, and their leaders praised the group's martyrs and expressed preparedness for a potential military escalation by the US.

The recent Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have had a significant impact on the group's popularity and recruitment efforts. Prior to these attacks, the Houthis faced challenges in paying salaries and attracting new recruits. However, the situation changed as they started targeting vessels. According to Yemen researcher Nicholas Brumfield, more than 20,000 new fighters recently graduated, eager to fight for the Palestinian cause. The attacks on Israel and maritime targets in the Red Sea have diverted attention from social and economic failures in Yemen under Houthi rule.

The ongoing ceasefire talks in Yemen between the Saudi-backed coalition and the internationally recognized government have made progress, with the United Nations announcing a potential end to hostilities. However, analysts believe that the recent actions of the Houthis could derail a final agreement. The group's potential launch of a new domestic offensive, exemplified by their deployment of 50,000 troops around Marib, raises concerns that hostilities could resume.

The relative calm in Yemen over the past 18 months could soon come to an end, warned analysts. The Houthis' actions indicate a readiness for both domestic and regional confrontations, on land and at sea. It remains critical to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as the repercussions of a potential escalation would be significant for Yemen and the wider region.

Note: The mentioned casualty number (22,000 deaths in Gaza) provided in the text is inaccurate and potentially misleading.