Thu Jan 23 08:28:12 UTC 2025: ## Houthi Rebels Release Crew of Seized Ship After Year-Long Detention

**Dubai, UAE –** The crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in November 2023, has been released, ending over a year of captivity. The 25 crew members, representing nationalities including the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, were freed on Wednesday following mediation by Oman. Their release comes amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop involving a renewed US designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis, who justified the seizure by citing the ship’s alleged connection to Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar, stated that the release was in support of the Gaza ceasefire and followed a request from Hamas. Oman played a crucial role in facilitating the crew’s return, with an Omani air force jet transporting them to Muscat.

International officials welcomed the news. UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, called the release “heartwarming” but urged the Houthis to end all maritime attacks. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed “utmost joy” at the release of 17 Filipino crew members. Bulgaria also confirmed the return of its two citizens, the ship’s captain and assistant captain.

The timing of the release is significant, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s reinstatement of a terrorist designation on the Houthis, a move reversed by President Biden. While some analysts see the release as a goodwill gesture towards the new Trump administration, the ship itself remains in Hodeida, Yemen. The White House has stated that under President Trump, the US will cooperate with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities. The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have severely impacted regional trade, particularly impacting revenues for Egypt’s Suez Canal. While the Houthis have indicated a willingness to limit future attacks to Israeli-affiliated vessels, the long-term impact on shipping in the region remains uncertain.

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