Houthis threaten the world with a new catastrophe - assessment

Qatar's Foreign Ministry representative Ibrahim Al-Hashmi warned of catastrophic consequences for the global economy if the Houthis completely close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar advocates for a diplomatic resolution.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry representative Ibrahim Al-Hashmi warned of severe consequences for the global economy if the Houthis (Ansar Allah group) completely block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This statement came amid a months-long blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and recent Houthi gains on the Red Sea coast. Al-Hashmi stated that the world is already suffering from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the additional closure of Bab el-Mandeb would be a catastrophe, the effects of which are already beginning to appear. Qatar advocates for a diplomatic resolution and dialogue. The Houthis' advance along the Yemeni coast increases risks for Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, whose economies heavily depend on the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and the operation of the Suez Canal. Earlier, reports emerged of intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and emergency meetings in Riyadh.