After the Houthi attacks, oil giant BP halted all Red Sea cargoes

It made such a decision due to the “deteriorating security situation”, but said it was a temporary step, the BBC reports.

Several shipping companies have also suspended their ships after being attacked by the Houthi movement in Yemen.

On Monday, one of the world’s largest shipping companies announced that it would no longer carry Israeli cargo through the Red Sea.

In an updated statement seen by the BBC, Evergreen Line said it would instruct its container ships to suspend services “until further notice”.

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and fuel and consumer goods.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels target ships traveling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, a 32km-wide channel known for its dangerous passage.

The rebels have declared support for Hamas and said they target ships traveling to Israel and use drones and missiles against foreign-owned ships.

VIDEO: Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks in the Red Sea

However, it is unclear whether all the ships they attacked were actually bound for Israel.

BP said: “BP’s priority is the safety and security of our people and those who work on our behalf. In view of the worsening security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily suspend all transits through the Red Sea. We will constantly review this preventive break, taking into account the changing circumstances in the region.”