Yemen's Houthi rebels welcomed news of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza even as a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas was reported to be holding up Israeli approval of the long-awaited ceasefire agreement.

The leader of Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, said on Thursday his group will monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza and continue its attacks if it is breached.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may not spell the end of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Middle East, regional security experts said. The Yemen-based militant group, which has menaced the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, may only temporarily halt attacks on vessels.

A missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has targeted central Israel, sounding sirens and causing people to flee into bomb shelters. The Israeli military said several attempts were made to intercept a missile that was launched from Yemen and “the missile was likely intercepted”.

"We announce that we will suspend our military operations against [Israel]," the Nujaba Movement's leader said.