Israel military issues evacuations warning for three Yemen ports

The Israeli military on Sunday night issued evacuation warnings for three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif following renewed hostilities, despite a recently announced ceasefire between the United States and the Houthis. The announcement was made by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee via social media platform X.

The move comes two days after Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, marking the first such attack since former U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis. However, the deal notably excludes Israel, and Houthi leaders have stated they will continue to target Israel in solidarity with Gaza.

In response, Israel reiterated its right to act independently against threats. “Israel will defend itself by itself against any threat and any enemy,” the IDF said. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel has always faced its challenges alone and will continue to do so.

This marks the second time within a week that Israel has issued an evacuation warning for Yemen. On May 6, a similar notice was given ahead of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly disabled Sana’a International Airport.

Trump’s ceasefire declaration came after diplomatic mediation by Oman, which led to a truce between the U.S. and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Trump said the Houthis had "capitulated" and assured that the U.S. would stop its bombings in Yemen, referencing recent Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and Israel.

While the Houthis confirmed the ceasefire with the U.S., they made it clear their attacks on Israel would continue until military operations in Gaza cease. Trump, when asked about possible Houthi attacks on Israel, said, “I’ll discuss that if something happens with Israel and the Houthis.”

The developments underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and highlight Israel’s growing concerns over being left out of regional peace efforts, even as tensions in Gaza persist.