Houthi Rebels Release Crew of Seized Galaxy leader Ship Amid Gaza ceasefire Efforts
In a significant development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Wednesday the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 at the onset of their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor. The move comes as part of the group’s efforts to de-escalate tensions following a ceasefire in Gaza and amid renewed U.S. sanctions targeting the Iranian-backed militants.
The Galaxy Leader, hijacked during the early stages of the Israel-Hamas war, had been held by the Houthis for over a year.The ship’s crew of 25,comprising mariners from the Philippines,Bulgaria,Romania,Ukraine,and Mexico,were released after mediation by Oman,a key regional interlocutor. The Omani Royal air Force reportedly facilitated the crew’s transfer, with a flight to Yemen and back occurring shortly after the Houthi announcement.
“This step comes in support of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” the Houthis stated via their rebel-controlled SABA news agency. The group also acknowledged a separate request from Hamas for the crew’s release, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional conflicts.
The release coincides with a renewed U.S. focus on the Houthis. President Donald Trump reinstated a terrorism designation on the group, reversing a decision by President Joe Biden, who had lifted the label early in his term to mitigate the humanitarian impact on Yemeni civilians. Trump’s executive order, issued on wednesday, sets the stage for reclassifying the Houthis as a foreign terrorist association.
In the Philippines,President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the release of 17 Filipino crewmembers, who were among those held captive. “It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe return of our seafarers,” Marcos said.The Filipinos,now in the custody of the Philippine embassy in Muscat,Oman,are expected to be flown home soon.The Houthis’ decision to release the crew marks a rare gesture of goodwill amid ongoing regional tensions. Though, the group’s broader campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, ostensibly in solidarity with Gaza, has drawn international condemnation and heightened security concerns.
Key Developments at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Galaxy leader Seizure | Houthis seized the ship in November 2023, marking the start of Red Sea attacks. |
| Crew Release | 25 crewmembers from 5 countries released after mediation by Oman. |
| U.S. Sanctions | Trump reinstates terrorism designation on Houthis, reversing Biden’s decision. |
| Philippines’ Response | President Marcos confirms release of 17 Filipino crewmembers. |
| Houthi Statement | release supports Gaza ceasefire, with Hamas requesting crew’s freedom. |
The release of the Galaxy Leader crew underscores the complex interplay of regional diplomacy, humanitarian concerns, and geopolitical maneuvering. As the Houthis navigate their role in the broader Middle East conflict, their actions continue to reverberate far beyond yemen’s borders.
For more updates on the evolving situation in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war, stay tuned to our coverage.
What are your thoughts on the houthis’ decision to release the crew? Share your views in the comments below.17 Filipino Seafarers Freed After Over a Year in Houthi Captivity: A Story of Resilience and Diplomacy
After more than a year in captivity, the 17 Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader have finally been released by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The multinational crew, which also included two Bulgarians, was held hostage following the vessel’s hijacking in November 2023. The release marks a significant diplomatic victory, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.expressing gratitude to the Sultan of Oman and his government for their “successful mediation.”
Hans Grundberg, the United Nations’ special envoy to Yemen, described the crew’s release as “heartwarming news that puts an end to the arbitrary detention and separation that they and their families endured for more than a year.” he urged the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, to continue taking positive steps, including ending all maritime attacks.
The Hijacking and Its Aftermath
The MV Galaxy Leader, a bahamas-flagged vessel, was hijacked by Houthi rebels due to its alleged connection to Israel. The ship is affiliated with Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar, one of the wealthiest individuals in Israel. The rebels launched a dramatic helicopter-borne raid to seize the vessel, later using propaganda footage of the attack to bolster their image.
The Houthis’ campaign against commercial shipping in international waters has been a significant point of contention. Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, the group has targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones. These attacks have severely disrupted global trade, halving traffic through the Red Sea and impacting Egypt’s revenues from the Suez Canal.
A Gesture of Goodwill?
The release of the crew may signal a shift in the Houthis’ strategy. Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha suggested that the move could be an attempt to “curry favor with the new Trump governance” and delay their potential designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.Despite the crew’s release, the MV Galaxy Leader remains moored off the Yemeni port city of Hodeida.
The Houthis have also announced plans to limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to Israeli-affiliated ships, following a ceasefire in the Gaza strip. Though, this has done little to reassure global shipping firms, many of which remain hesitant to resume operations in the region.
The Human Cost
For the 17 Filipino seafarers and their families, the ordeal has been a harrowing experience. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the crew members were allowed to contact their loved ones once a week during their captivity, a small but significant gesture that provided some comfort during their prolonged detention.
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the release of its two nationals, identified as the ship’s captain, Lyubomir Chanev, and assistant captain, Danail Veselinov. A government jet was dispatched to Oman to bring them home.
What’s Next?
The DFA is now working on the immediate repatriation of the Filipino seafarers,ensuring their safe return to their families. President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of their release, calling it a “step in the right direction” for regional stability.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will this gesture by the Houthis lead to lasting peace, or is it merely a temporary reprieve in a volatile region?
| Key Details | Summary |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Crew Released | 17 Filipino seafarers and 2 Bulgarians freed after over a year in captivity |
| Vessel | MV Galaxy Leader, affiliated with Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” ungar |
| Houthi Campaign | Over 100 merchant vessels targeted since october 2023 |
| Diplomatic efforts | Mediation by Oman and UN involvement |
| Current Status | Ship remains moored off Hodeida; crew repatriation underway |
The release of the MV Galaxy Leader crew is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardship. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its ripple effects, this development offers a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful future.The Houthi rebels in Yemen have escalated their maritime campaign in the red Sea, seizing one vessel and sinking two others, resulting in the deaths of four sailors. This aggressive strategy has drawn international attention,with U.S.- and European-led coalitions intercepting numerous missiles and drones aimed at both commercial and military targets. Despite the rebels’ claims that they only target ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., many of the attacked vessels had little or no connection to these nations, including some bound for Iran.
The tempo of Houthi attacks has slowed in recent weeks, particularly those targeting ships at sea. This decline may be attributed to the U.S. airstrike campaign, which, along with its partners, has struck the Houthis over 260 times, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. These strikes have substantially disrupted the rebels’ operations, though the conflict remains volatile.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to local health officials. While these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, they highlight that women and children constitute more than half of the casualties. This devastating toll underscores the broader regional tensions fueling conflicts like the Houthi campaign in the Red Sea.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Houthi Attacks | Seized one vessel,sunk two,killed four sailors. |
| Targets | Ships linked to Israel,U.S., U.K., but many had no connection. |
| U.S. Response | over 260 airstrikes conducted with partners. |
| Gaza Conflict | Over 46,000 Palestinians killed, majority women and children. |
The situation in the Red Sea and Gaza remains fluid, with international efforts to de-escalate tensions facing significant challenges.As the U.S. and its allies continue their airstrike campaign, the humanitarian toll in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability remain critical concerns.