Israeli ships are a “legitimate target”, Yemen’s Houthi rebels warned, after their seizure of an Israel-linked cargo vessel opened a new dimension in the situation in Gaza, AFP reports.

Yesterday’s capture of the Galaxy Leader and its 25 international crew came days after the Houthis threatened to target Israeli shipping over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

The Houthis, declaring themselves part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran’s allies and proxies, have also launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel.

“Israeli ships are legitimate targets for us anywhere … and we will not hesitate to take action,” Major General Ali Al-Moshki, a Houthi military official, told the group’s Al-Massirah TV station.