By Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced the seizure of a cargo ship in the southern Red Sea amid escalating tensions in the region due to the conflict in Gaza.
The vessel, identified by the Houthis as Israeli, was contradicted by Israel, asserting it to be a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship flying the flag of the Bahamas, with no Israeli nationals on board.
The Galaxy Leader, reportedly partially owned by an Israeli businessman, set sail from Turkey to India with an estimated 25 individuals on board.
Ownership records in public shipping databases link the vessel to Ray Car Carriers, founded by Abraham “Rami” Ungar, a prominent figure in Israel known for his wealth.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree justified the seizure, connecting it to what he termed as “heinous acts against our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and the West Bank.” Saree warned that any ship associated with Israel or its supporters would be a legitimate target for Houthi forces.
The Houthis have been actively involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict, launching missile and drone attacks against Israel since an earlier incident involving Hamas on October 7.
The group had previously declared its intention to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied any involvement in the ship’s ownership or operation, framing the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism.”
The statement emphasized the potential global consequences for maritime security, accusing Iran without providing concrete evidence.
The international community responded swiftly, with Japan condemning the ship’s seizure, and the United States terming it a “flagrant violation of international law.”
The U.S. National Security Council demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew, pledging consultation with UN partners for further steps.
Amidst escalating tensions, the Houthi rebels’ seizure of the Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea has sparked international concerns. The conflicting narratives between the Houthis and Israel, coupled with accusations against Iran, have heightened anxieties over the security of global shipping routes.
As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts are underway to address the immediate release of the ship and its multinational crew. The international community awaits further developments, navigating a complex web of geopolitical dynamics in the region.
