Official announcements or news reports from credible sources

Yemen's Houthis Release Crew of Israeli Ship After 14 Months Following Gaza Ceasefire

Jan 22, 2025, 04:20 PM

Yemen's Houthi rebels have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-owned vehicle carrier seized in the Red Sea in November 2023. The 25-member crew, which includes sailors from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, had been held captive for 14 months. The release was facilitated through mediation by Oman and coordinated with Hamas, following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Houthis stated that they released the crew at Hamas's request and as a contribution to the ceasefire. The crew was handed over to Omani authorities and arrived in Muscat. United Nations Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg welcomed the release, calling it a positive step towards peace and urging further de-escalatory actions.