The Houthis announced that they targeted the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on Friday, casting doubt on whether the Yemen-based terrorist group would stop its attacks on ships in the Red Sea following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Two of the world's top shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd , said on Thursday they did not see an immediate return to Red Sea after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was announced.

Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire on Wednesday, leading to speculation that the Yemen-based Houthis — who started attacking commercial ships in late 2023 ostensibly in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip — might call off the broadsides for good.

Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire, raising questions as to when major container lines will return to the Red Sea.

The countdown to a return of shipping to the Red Sea could soon begin, with the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement due to take effect from Sunday, Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta said. Houthi rebels began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea in response to Israel's Gaza offensive,

A.P. Moller-Maersk expressed caution about any fast return to shipping through the Red Sea, after the Yemen-based Houthis signaled a pause in their attacks on commercial vessels.

Comments by Frontline Management's chief executive Lars Barstad reflect scepticism in shipping circles about improved safety conditions off Yemen

Container lines are likely to wait and see what happens to other vessels returning to the Red Sea before making any decisions themselves.

Houthi, said the Iran-aligned group will monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and will continue its attacks on ships in the Red Sea if it is breached. The Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships since November 2023 and have sunk two vessels,