The peace deal reached between Israel and Hamas, which came into force on 10 October 2025, may have significant repercussions for container shipping. The accord could prompt the Houthis to stop attacking vessels in the Red Sea, as their assaults had been justified by Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip. However, for now, this remains uncertain: the Yemeni group has yet to issue any official statements.
Shipping companies have also remained silent. Over the past two years, many have rerouted their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea. Paradoxically, a return to the Suez Canal might not be in their best interest. On 9 October, when peace appeared imminent, Maersk shares fell by two percent. Analysts attribute the drop to concerns that renewed use of the canal would increase available capacity and push freight rates down even further, after several weeks of steady decline. By contrast, rates had surged when Houthi attacks first began.
The Suez Canal Authority is working actively to bring container ships back. Its chairman, Osama Rabie, has announced a temporary reduction in transit fees and met with Maersk representatives to encourage a gradual resumption of passage through the canal. He also stated that the waterway is fully ready to return to full operational capacity.
