Yemen’s Houthi rebels have made a significant gesture of goodwill by releasing the crew of the Bahamas-flagged vessel, Galaxy Leader, more than a year after its seizure off the Red Sea coast. This development, reported by Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV, comes amidst a delicate ceasefire in Gaza following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to the TV report, the crew members were handed over to Oman in a move that was described as being done “in coordination” with the ongoing truce in Gaza. The Houthi Supreme Political Council stated that the release of the crew was a demonstration of solidarity with Gaza and in support of the ceasefire agreement.
The crew, consisting of 25 individuals from various countries including Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, belonged to the car carrier vessel chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen. The Galaxy Leader had been intercepted by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023, and subsequently escorted to the port of Hodeidah in north Yemen, which is under Houthi control.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi emphasized his group’s readiness to act promptly should Israel breach the ceasefire in Gaza. He warned that the Houthis were prepared to intervene if the Israeli enemy resorted to further escalation, genocidal acts, or imposing a siege on the Gaza Strip.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, the Houthis have been involved in a series of maritime attacks in the Red Sea, with over 100 incidents reported since November 2023. The group justified these actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in response to Israel’s military operations targeting Hamas in Gaza. The attacks have resulted in the sinking of two vessels, the capture of another, and the tragic loss of at least four seafarers. The disruptions caused by these attacks have forced shipping companies to alter their routes, opting for longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa for over a year.
This recent development marks a positive step towards de-escalation in the region, with the release of the Galaxy Leader crew serving as a symbolic gesture of peace and cooperation amidst the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The delicate balance of power and tensions in the area continues to be closely monitored by international observers as efforts towards lasting peace and stability remain a top priority.
As the situation evolves, the world watches with cautious optimism, hoping that gestures of goodwill such as this release will pave the way for further diplomatic resolutions and a lasting peace in the region.
