As the war between Israel and Hamas enters its eighth month, the expected assault on Rafah in Gaza is a sign that even a temporary peace may still be far off, although reports on Monday indicated that the Palestinian group has accepted a ceasefire proposal.

And while the world watches, the Iranian-backed Houthis are also paying attention, as they see a Rafah operation as an excuse to continue their ruthless assault on shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and beyond.