Yemeni protesters take part in a march in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa on Jan. 11, 2024, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant Hamas group in Gaza. (Credit: Mohammed Huwais/AFP)
France said Iran-backed Houthis were responsible for an escalation in the Middle East after US and British strikes targeted them in Yemen on Friday for attacking Red Sea shipping.
"Through these armed actions, the Houthis bear the extremely heavy responsibility for the regional escalation," the foreign ministry said, referring to weeks of attacks on perceived Israel-linked ships in what the Houthis say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
It urged the Houthis to "immediately end" these attacks.
"France will continue to assume its responsibilities and to contribute to maritime security in the area in link with its partners," it added.
France is part of a multi-nation coalition announced last month to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, which are endangering a transit route that carries up to 12 percent of global trade.
Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 attacked Israel, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Militants also took around 250 hostages, 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza, including at least 25 believed to have been killed.
Israel responded with a relentless military campaign that the health ministry in Hamas-run besieged territory says has killed more than 23,000 people, mostly women and children.
"Through these armed actions, the Houthis bear the extremely heavy responsibility for the regional escalation," the foreign ministry said, referring to weeks of attacks on...