DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Wednesday that they have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo vessel seized in November 2023, shortly after the initiation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This development follows significant mediation efforts by Oman, an influential player in the region known for its diplomatic relations with the Houthis. The release comes at a critical time as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been brokered, aiming to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza.

The Galaxy Leader, under the Bahamas flag and linked to Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar, had its 25-member crew—including sailors from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico—held captive for over 430 days. According to the Houthis, the decision to release the sailors aligns with their ongoing support for the Palestinians during the ceasefire negotiations, stating, “This step comes in support of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” reported the Al Jazeera.

The Houthis had initiated a series of maritime assaults, targeting over 100 vessels since the start of the conflict, particularly focusing on ships linked to Israel. Their actions included launching missiles and conducting helicopter-borne raids, which they justified as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. “We will limit our attacks to Israeli-affiliated ships as long as the ceasefire holds,” a Houthi spokesman indicated following the recent truce, though they warned that further escalation would resume if Israel breaches the agreement.

Despite the recent ceasefire, a representative from the Galaxy Leader's ownership remains cautious, indicating no immediate comment on the vessel's status. The ongoing assault campaigns by the Houthis had resulted in significant disruptions to international shipping routes, impacting cargo and energy shipments vital for global trade, with implications for Egypt's Suez Canal revenues.

Internationally, the fallout from the conflict has led to increased tensions, with the United States and United Kingdom launching targeted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in response to their aggression. The Israeli military has also intensified its operations against Houthi-controlled areas, resulting in severe humanitarian impacts and undermining critical infrastructure.

As the situation remains dynamic, the geopolitical landscape in the region continues to shift, with the Houthis prepared to pivot back to aggressive postures should the ceasefire unravel. For more details, check AP News.