Yemen's anti-government Houthi group says in an online interview with NHK it will continue attacking vessels heading for Israel, even after a US-led multinational security initiative is launched.

The Houthi group controls areas in northern Yemen. It has attacked a number of vessels in recent months in the Red Sea to show its solidarity with the Palestinian Islamic group of Hamas amid the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Major shipping and oil companies were forced to temporarily suspend their routes through the Red Sea.

To address the crisis, the United States has announced the establishment of a multinational initiative to secure safe passage through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

At least 10 countries, including Britain, are reported to join the maritime security initiative.

Houthi spokesperson Abed Al-thour criticized the move in the interview with NHK on Wednesday.

He said that the establishment of the US-led multinational initiative will only complicate matters and bring turmoil to the region.

The spokesperson noted that the Houthis will, nonetheless, continue to attack vessels heading to Israel for as long as Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza.

The official said the Houthis consider a direct attack by the multinational group as a red line that must not be crossed.

Otherwise, he said the group will take such an attack as a declaration of war and will respond accordingly.

The Houthis' antagonism against the US-led initiative is fueling fears of a possible prolonged impact on global maritime logistics.