Yemen’s Houthi rebels have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized in November 2023, following mediation by Oman. This decision comes amid the Israel-Hamas war and reflects a shift in Houthi policy to limit attacks to Israeli-affiliated ships post-ceasefire. Despite this development, the broader disruptions caused by Houthi attacks on maritime traffic continue to impact trade in the region.
On November 19, 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced the release of the crew from the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier they had seized in the Red Sea. This development occurred amidst the ongoing conflict related to the Israel-Hamas war, with mediation provided by Oman, a regional player with a history of facilitating dialogue with the Houthis. The rebels indicated that the crew’s release was also influenced by a request from Hamas, highlighting their involvement in the matter.
The Galaxy Leader’s crew consisted of 25 seafarers hailing from various countries, including the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico. The Iranian-backed Houthis had initially hijacked the vessel due to its connections to Israel and had engaged in a broader campaign targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea. However, they stated that following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, they would limit their assaults to vessels affiliated with Israel, although further escalations remain a possibility.
This incident underscores the tumultuous maritime environment in the region, where the Houthi attacks have significantly disrupted shipping lanes vital for global trade between Asia and Europe. Since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 commercial vessels with missiles and drones, contributing to a drastic reduction in traffic through the Red Sea and negatively impacting Egyptian revenues from the Suez Canal.
The Galaxy Leader is registered under the Bahamas flag and is linked to Israeli billionaire Abraham Ungar, enhancing its profile in the eyes of the Houthis. Propaganda from the rebels has depicted their capture of the ship dramatically, even featuring a music video filmed aboard the vessel. Nonetheless, it is uncertain whether this release will restore confidence among global shipping firms, given the ongoing volatility and risks in the region.
The backdrop to this incident is the heightened military tensions arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began escalating in October 2023. The Houthis have utilized this situation to assert their power and influence over maritime routes in the Red Sea, claiming to act against vessels associated with Israel. Their previous attacks have halved shipping traffic through crucial corridors and raised alarms about maritime security affecting global trade, particularly through the Suez Canal, which is economically significant for Egypt.
In conclusion, the release of the Galaxy Leader’s crew by Yemen’s Houthi rebels marks a significant event amid the broader geopolitical conflict arising from the Israel-Hamas war. While the mediation by Oman is a positive step towards de-escalating maritime hostilities, the potential for future attacks remains, contributing to ongoing concerns regarding the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea and the economic implications for international trade.
Original Source: apnews.com
