JERUSALEM — ⁣The recent missile attack on a U.S.-owned ship by Houthi rebels has further escalated​ tensions in the Red Sea. The attack on the ‌Gibraltar Eagle, claimed by the Houthis, has raised concerns about the safety of global shipping in the region. The vessel, owned by Eagle​ Bulk Shipping, was struck by a missile but fortunately reported no injuries or significant ⁣damage.

The attack has prompted the U.S. Maritime ‍Administration to issue a warning of a continuing ⁢”high degree of risk to commercial vessels” ⁤traveling near Yemen. The advisory recommends that U.S. flag and U.S.-owned commercial vessels stay away from Yemen in the ‍Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until further ​notice.

Separately, the British military reported that guards aboard a civilian ship off Eritrea fired warning shots on Monday to scare off a small boat near it in⁣ the Red Sea. This incident, along with the missile launch toward the American warship, ⁤marks the first U.S.-acknowledged fire by the Houthis since the U.S.-led strikes on the rebels began.

U.S. Advisory on Maritime Navigation

President Joe Biden has stated ​that he “will not​ hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce ‌as necessary.”‌ The recent strikes in⁣ the Red Sea have raised concerns about the security of maritime navigation in the⁣ region, affecting global trade and the shipping of natural gas supplies from Qatar.

Impact on Global Shipping

Since ‍November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, claiming to avenge Israel’s offensive ⁤in Gaza against Hamas. However, the ‌attacks have raised concerns about the safety of maritime ‌navigation and the ⁤potential for wider conflict in the region.

Even the leader of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, obliquely referenced the widening ⁢Houthi attacks on ships in a speech, blaming the U.S. strikes for escalating ‌maritime tensions. The recent incidents have highlighted the need for diplomatic efforts to calm tensions and ​prevent any ​further escalation in the Middle East.

It’s also affecting shipping for the Middle East nation of Qatar, one of the ⁤world’s top natural gas suppliers. Three liquid natural gas tankers that⁢ had recently loaded in Qatar​ and were bound for the Suez Canal remain‍ idling off​ Oman, while another coming from Europe to Qatar remains off ⁢Saudi Arabia. QatarEnergy and government officials did not respond to a request for comment.