SANAA, May 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Yemen's Huthi rebels said Monday that they would target Haifa port in Israel as part of a "naval blockade" in response to Israeli escalation in the Gaza war.

The Huthis would "begin working to enforce a naval blockade of the port of Haifa," said military spokesman Yehya Saree.

"All companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank," the Huthi spokesman added.

The move was "in response to the Israeli enemy's escalation of its brutal aggression against our people and in Gaza," he said, adding their attacks on Israel would "cease once the aggression on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted".

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country will "take control" of the whole of Gaza, as rescuers reported dozens killed in a newly intensified offensive.