In a significant development, Houthi rebels released the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader after holding them hostage for 14 months. The crew, consisting of 25 individuals from six different countries, was finally freed and handed over to mediators from Oman. This long-awaited release marks a crucial moment amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region, where the Houthis have targeted vessels as part of their campaign against Israel.
The crew members included 17 Filipinos, 3 Ukrainians, 2 Bulgarians, 2 Mexicans, and 1 Romanian. They were taken hostage in November 2023 when armed Houthis stormed the Galaxy Leader off the coast of Yemen. This incident was part of a broader strategy by the Houthis, who have targeted numerous ships in the Red Sea amid their ongoing conflict with Israel.
The release comes just days after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, which provided a temporary reprieve for Palestinians in Gaza following 15 months of warfare. The Houthis had previously declared that they would only end their operations in the Red Sea once Israel ceased its offensive in Gaza. This ceasefire thus played a pivotal role in the crew's eventual release.
The United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, welcomed the release of the hostages. His sentiments were echoed by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, who described the release as a "profound relief." He emphasized the importance of collective diplomacy and dialogue in resolving such crises.
"Today’s breakthrough is a testament to the power of collective diplomacy and dialogue, recognizing that innocent seafarers must not become collateral victims in wider geopolitical tensions." – Arsenio Dominguez
The ordeal of the Galaxy Leader crew highlights the broader geopolitical tensions that have engulfed the region. The United States and United Kingdom conducted strikes against Houthi positions in support of Israel, while Israel's military responded with airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. These actions underscore the complex international dimensions of this conflict.
The Filipino Foreign Ministry was contacted for a statement regarding the release of its citizens but did not provide any comment. This silence leaves open questions regarding potential further diplomatic engagements or support for the released individuals.
