The recent news that warships of the Russian Pacific Fleet crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Red Sea has undoubtedly added new uncertainty to this already choppy sea. The Red Sea, an important waterway connecting Asia and Africa, is once again in the international spotlight.
First of all, let's analyze the background of the entry of Russian warships into the Red Sea.
On the one hand, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, Israel and Hamas continue to clash, and US policy in the region is also attracting attention. On the other hand, the recent joint maritime exercises in the Indian Ocean between Russia and China and Iran have demonstrated the cooperation and interaction between these major powers in the field of maritime security.
The entry of Russian warships has undoubtedly added new complications to the situation in the Red Sea. According to reports, this fleet includes the missile cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, which carry out tasks in accordance with the plan for a long voyage at sea. However, the report does not disclose the final destination of the warship, nor does it say the specific reason why Russia sent ships to the Red Sea. This sense of mystery makes one wonder about Russia's true intentions.
There is speculation that this may have something to do with recent Israeli moves. According to the Lebanese newspaper Izvestia, citing Egyptian sources, Israel plans to launch a ground offensive against Rafah after the end of Eid al-Fitr in April. This action, if successful, could trigger a new humanitarian crisis. The United States opposes the plan, fearing that it will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis on the ground. Israel, on the other hand, believes that the United States has sabotaged the hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas by allowing the UN resolution to pass.
Against this background, the entry of Russian warships into the Red Sea may be more than a simple military operation. It could be an opportunity for Russia to demonstrate its military power and influence in the region, or it could be a move for Russia to find a new partner in the international political game. After all, Yemen's Houthi rebels have been attacking ships linked to Israel, the United States and Britain in the Red Sea over the past few months, forcing many ships to take long detours. The Houthis have told China and Russia that their ships can sail safely in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden without attack, in exchange for political support from China and Russia in international forums such as the United Nations Security Council.
In addition, the White House said Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to reschedule the Israeli delegation's visit to the United States to discuss possible military action by Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza. This change may be related to the entry of Russian warships into the Red Sea, or it may be that the United States is adjusting its strategy in the Middle East.
At this critical juncture, how will the situation in the Red Sea develop? Will the entry of Russian warships trigger a new conflict? Will Israel's military action be supported by the international community? These issues require our close attention.
In short, the resurgence of the Red Sea is not as simple as a military operation. It involves the game between major powers, the balance of regional security, and the challenges of international law and humanitarianism.