Due to Houthi rebels' attacks on ships, shipping companies are avoiding the Red Sea en masse. This also affects horticulture: the sea freighting of Kenyan flowers has come to a complete standstill, and suppliers are facing long delivery times of materials from China as well as increased container costs.
Recently, Houthi rebels shelled a ship bound for the Suez Canal, the gateway to Europe. Items on board included horticultural materials, so suppliers are kept waiting. Another ship that could not continue its Red Sea journey was carrying cut flowers, among other goods. The flowers were taken to Dubai and flown to the UK from there.
In solidarity with the Palestinians, Houthi rebels have been regularly attacking ships in the Red Sea since late November. The rebels will continue their attacks for as long as Israel maintains its presence in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Americans and British have already retaliated several times, targeting the rebels' home base in Yemen.
