Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced Wednesday they have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 during their attacks on Red Sea shipping tied to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The release is seen as the latest de-escalation effort by the Iranian-backed Houthis following a ceasefire in Gaza. The timing coincides with speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump may reinstate the group’s terrorism designation, which was previously revoked by President Joe Biden.
The Houthis said they released the crew after mediation by Oman, a Gulf sultanate known for facilitating negotiations. While Oman has not officially commented on the release, an Omani Royal Air Force jet reportedly flew to Yemen earlier Wednesday.
The rebels also claimed Hamas requested the crew’s release, describing it as a gesture supporting the Gaza ceasefire. The 25 crew members included sailors from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, according to statements on the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency.
“The release of the Galaxy Leader’s crew is a step toward supporting the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” the Houthis stated.
The Galaxy Leader, flagged in the Bahamas and owned by a company affiliated with Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar, was seized due to its connections with Israel, the Houthis claimed. The group launched a helicopter-borne raid on the vessel in November, using footage of the attack in propaganda videos.
Despite the release of the crew, the ship remains moored near the Yemeni port of Hodeida.
The Houthis’ campaign, targeting merchant vessels with drones and missiles, has significantly disrupted Red Sea shipping routes. Traffic through the region has reportedly halved, impacting cargo and energy shipments between Asia and Europe and reducing Egypt’s revenues from the Suez Canal.
While the Houthis have pledged to limit attacks to Israeli-linked vessels, international shipping companies remain cautious. The rebels previously targeted over 100 merchant ships, sinking two and killing four sailors.
The United States and European coalitions have launched over 260 strikes against the Houthis in response, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Yemen analysts suggest the release may be an attempt by the Houthis to avoid further sanctions or a renewed terrorism designation by the U.S.
“This gesture by the Houthis may be intended as a goodwill measure toward the Trump administration, potentially aiming to delay their designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization,” said Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha.
The Houthis’ announcement comes after weeks of reduced activity targeting international shipping, coinciding with U.S.-led airstrike campaigns and increased global pressure for de-escalation.
