Houthi Rebels Announce Release of Hijacked Cargo Ship Crew Amid Gaza Cease-Fire

Wed Apr 02 2025 10:45:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Houthi Rebels Announce Release of Hijacked Cargo Ship Crew Amid Gaza Cease-Fire

In a significant development reflecting geopolitical shifts, Yemen's Houthi rebels declare plans to release the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship hijacked 14 months ago, as they reduce hostilities in light of the ongoing cease-fire in Gaza.


Yemen's Houthi rebels have announced the impending release of 25 crew members from the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, which they seized 14 months ago. This decision aligns with their vow to de-escalate military actions in relation to a newly established cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, signaling potential shifts in regional tensions.


Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared their intention to free the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship they hijacked 14 months ago during a campaign of maritime attacks in support of Hamas amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The announcement comes as part of a broader decision by the Iranian-backed group to scale back their military operations in light of the recent cease-fire in Gaza that took effect over the weekend.

The Galaxy Leader, which had been navigating the Red Sea under the Bahamian flag, was initially en route from Turkey to India when it was commandeered by the Houthis and taken to the Yemeni port of Al-Hudaydah. The vessel's crew consists of 25 members from various nations including the Philippines, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Romania. Official statements from Nasser Al-Din Amer, a senior Houthi figure, suggested that the crew would be released on Wednesday, with coordination from the leadership of Hamas and facilitated by Oman.

Reports indicate that the release's specifics haven't been independently verified, though Yemeni state-affiliated channels such as Al-Masirah supported the announcement. This decision marks a notable step following the audacious maritime seizure, which underscored the Houthis’ support for Hamas after their lethal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting renewed hostilities in Gaza.

As of now, tracking sources have reported that the cargo ship remains “stopped” in the Red Sea, illustrating the ongoing complexities surrounding international shipping routes in a region fraught with conflict. The developments hint at evolving dynamics, indicating how broader cease-fires and negotiations might influence localized conflicts and hostage situations in the Middle East.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:25:14 GMT

Escalation in Gaza: Israel to Expand Military Operation

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:25:14 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:52:03 GMT

UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties Amid Renewed Conflict in Gaza

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:52:03 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:39:09 GMT

**Netanyahu Denounces Qatar Probe as Political Witch Hunt Amid Escalating Tensions**

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:39:09 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:35:02 GMT

UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties Amid Renewed Gaza Offensive

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:35:02 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:52:41 GMT

Netanyahu Labels Qatar Probe a "Witch Hunt" as His Aides Face Arrests

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:52:41 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:15:27 GMT

Israeli Air Strike in Beirut Claims Four Lives, Fractures Ceasefire Agreement

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:15:27 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:31:35 GMT

US Emphasizes Compliance with Humanitarian Law in Gaza Amid Tragic Casualties

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:31:35 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:12:22 GMT

### Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Claims Lives, Strains Fragile Ceasefire

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:12:22 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:05:17 GMT

Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs: Rising Tensions with Hezbollah

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:05:17 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:58:51 GMT

US Calls for Compliance with Humanitarian Law in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:58:51 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:37:34 GMT

**Red Cross Calls for Accountability Following Deaths of Medics in Gaza**

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:37:34 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:35:43 GMT

**Israel Orders Evacuation of Rafah Amid Intensifying Conflict**

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:35:43 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:44:38 GMT

# Israel Implements Comprehensive Evacuation Directive for Southern Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:44:38 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:54:49 GMT

**Netanyahu Appoints New Intelligence Chief Amid Supreme Court Controversy**

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:54:49 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:38:47 GMT

Dire Medical Crisis in Gaza: A Surgeon's Observations on the Human Toll

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:38:47 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:25:41 GMT

Killing of Medics in Gaza Sparks Outrage from Red Cross

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:25:41 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:20:03 GMT

Dire Medical Crisis in Gaza: U.S. Surgeon Highlights Shortages Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:20:03 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:57:41 GMT

**Renewed Efforts for Gaza Cease-Fire Amid Ongoing Tensions**

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:57:41 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:51:02 GMT

Ceasefire Negotiations Renewed as Hostage Exchange Discussions Emerge

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:51:02 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:24:06 GMT

Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, Killing Six People

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:24:06 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.