New York, 11 January 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an end to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on merchant ships in the Red Sea.

The document adopted in New York on Wednesday condemns the attacks and calls for their "immediate cessation."

11 countries voted in favour - Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique abstained. The vote was postponed by a few hours at short notice because Russia had tabled several amendments, all of which were rejected.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war between Israel and the Islamist militant organization Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with an alleged Israeli connection in the Red Sea. They have vowed to only let freighters delivering aid to the Gaza Strip to pass through.

Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Around 10% of all global trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, making it the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe.

The alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa adds at least two weeks to transport times.

MIA file photo