'ETERNITY C' After 'Magic Seas' Within 24 Hours โ Huge Setback for Pro-Israeli Business! ๐๐คฏ
. The Red Sea has once again become a flashpoint of maritime conflict, with Yemen's Houthi rebels dramatically escalating their campaign against commercial shipping. In a shocking span of less than 24 hours, Houthi missiles have reportedly struck two Greek-owned bulk carriers, first the 'Magic Seas' and now the 'Eternity C', sending shockwaves through global trade and delivering a significant blow to businesses perceived as aligned with Israeli interests.
Reports confirm that the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier 'Eternity C' was hit by Houthi projectiles on Monday night, following closely on the heels of the 'Magic Seas' incident on Sunday. While details are still emerging, initial accounts suggest the 'Eternity C' has sustained considerable damage, with at least three mariners tragically killed and two others wounded, one losing a leg. The vessel is now adrift in the Red Sea, its crew stranded onboard. This comes after the 'Magic Seas' was also targeted with drones, missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades, forcing its 22-member crew to abandon ship, with the Houthis claiming to have sunk it.
These twin attacks mark a grave resumption of Houthi operations against shipping, breaking a months-long lull and raising fears of a renewed, aggressive campaign in the vital waterway. The Houthis have explicitly stated their targeting of "Israel-linked ships" as a means to pressure Israel to end its military operations in Gaza.
A Direct Hit on Pro-Israeli Business Interests:
The implications of these attacks extend far beyond the immediate damage to the vessels. The Houthis' deliberate targeting of ships they deem connected to Israel, or those facilitating trade with Israel, is designed to inflict economic pain and disrupt supply chains that serve Israeli markets.
* Soaring Insurance Premiums & Rerouting: The Red Sea, a crucial conduit for a significant portion of global trade, especially between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, is becoming increasingly perilous. Shipping companies are now facing significantly higher insurance costs, with some reportedly seeing increases of 250%, or even struggling to secure coverage altogether for voyages through the region. This will inevitably lead to more vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to transit times and dramatically increasing fuel and operational costs.
* Impact on Eilat Port and Israeli Trade: The Israeli port of Eilat, a gateway for goods from Asia, has already seen its activity plummet by as much as 85% due to the Houthi blockade. This latest escalation will further exacerbate its struggles, potentially pushing more businesses away from using Israeli maritime routes. The recent news of the port of Eilat declaring bankruptcy and requesting government support underscores the severe economic impact.
* Global Supply Chain Disruptions: While the direct targeting is aimed at Israel-linked businesses, the ripple effect will be felt globally. Increased shipping costs and delays will impact various industries, from manufacturing to retail, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and further inflationary pressures worldwide.
International Condemnation and Future Outlook:
France and the European Union have swiftly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the unacceptable threat to freedom of navigation and regional stability. Operation Aspides, the EU's defensive maritime security mission in the Red Sea, remains committed to safeguarding shipping, but the audacity and frequency of these Houthi strikes present a formidable challenge.
The Houthis, emboldened by their ability to disrupt international commerce, seem intent on maintaining pressure until their demands regarding Gaza are met. This latest escalation signals a dangerous new phase in the Red Sea crisis, promising further volatility and significant challenges for global trade and, particularly, for any business perceived as supporting or engaging with Israel. The world watches anxiously as this critical maritime artery faces unprecedented threats. ๐ข๐ฅ๐
