Yemen’s Houthis will limit their attacks on commercial vessels to Israeli-linked ships after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect, Reuters reports citing the Yemen-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre.

The HOCC, which liaises between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators, said in an email sent to shipping industry officials dated Jan 19 that it was stopping “sanctions” against vessels owned by US or British individuals or entities, as well as ships sailing under their flags.

“We affirm that, in the event of any aggression against the Republic of Yemen by the United States of America, the United Kingdom … the sanctions will be reinstated against the aggressor,” the email said. “You will be promptly informed of such measures should they be implemented.”

The HOCC said they would stop targeting Israeli-linked ships “upon the full implementation of all phases of the agreement”.

Many of the world’s biggest shipping companies have suspended shipping through the Red Sea and have diverted their vessels around southern Africa to avoid being attacked.