Yemen Ceasefire Excludes Israel: Shipping Tensions Persist

A ceasefire agreement between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the United States aims to resolve tensions disrupting vital shipping routes in the Middle East. However, the deal pointedly excludes Israel from its terms, leaving the potential for future conflicts.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. military would cease bombing campaigns against the Iranian-backed Houthis. This announcement came following a commitment from the rebels to halt their interference with crucial shipping corridors, a pledge that may ease some pressures on global trade. The ceasefire was brokered through Omani mediation, though specific details remain scant.

Despite the apparent progress, Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam emphasized that the agreement 'does not include Israel in any way, shape, or form.' This leaves a question mark over Israel's situation, particularly concerning security in the Red Sea region where no recent attacks have been reported since January.

(With inputs from agencies.)