The Gaza ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas under a US-brokered plan has raised hopes that Houthi rebels may ease attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a development that could stabilize a key regional trade route.
Analysts cautioned, however, that shipping companies would likely wait months for assurances that attacks would not resume, while diplomats said the ceasefire in Gaza could have broader geopolitical implications, potentially easing tensions in the region and fostering conditions for the eventual normalization of maritime security in the Red Sea corridor .
The Houthis, who have claimed responsibility for attacks on vessels since late 2023, have not yet commented on the ceasefire or signaled a change in policy. Their campaign has forced ships to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, disrupting global supply chains and drawing international naval responses.
Shares of Danish shipping giant Maersk fell two percent in Copenhagen on Thursday, reflecting investor expectations that safer passage through the Red Sea could eventually restore capacity and reduce freight rates