Yemen’s Houthi rebels have announced that they will release the crew of the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader, which they hijacked 14 months ago as part of their support for Hamas in its war against Israel. This decision comes after an announcement on Sunday to scale back attacks due to a cease-fire in Gaza. The crew, consisting of members from various countries, has been held hostage in Yemen since the hijacking.
The release of the crew was ordered by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi and coordinated with Hamas, mediated by Oman. The Galaxy Leader, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, had been on its way to India from Turkey when it was captured by the rebels. The seizure of the vessel disrupted maritime traffic in the Red Sea, leading to longer journeys for many ships.
The Houthis have stated that they will continue to support the Palestinian cause, with a focus on targeting vessels owned by Israelis even after the cease-fire. They have also warned against attacks on Yemen by the United States or Britain, threatening to resume assaults on ships associated with those countries. The rebels have engaged in missile attacks against Israel, which have been intercepted, resulting in retaliatory airstrikes by Israel in Yemen.
The release of the Galaxy Leader’s crew marks a significant development in the conflict between the Houthis and Israel, showcasing the complexities of maritime security in the region. The ongoing support for Hamas by the rebels and their willingness to resume attacks on specific vessels highlight the volatile nature of the situation.
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