Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have issued a strong demand to the Houthi rebels to immediately cease their threats to maritime navigation and release the crew of a cargo ship they seized in the Red Sea ten days ago.
In a joint statement, the ministers urged all parties to refrain from threatening or obstructing the lawful exercise of navigation rights and freedoms for all vessels.
Specifically addressing the Houthi rebels, the statement called for an immediate halt to their attacks on civilians and threats to international shipping lanes and commercial vessels.
The ministers specifically demanded the release of the ship Galaxy Leader and its crew, which was illegally seized in international waters on November 19.
The Houthi group, known as “Ansar Allah,” had announced on Sunday that they had detained the Galaxy Leader, a vessel sailing under the Bahamian flag, which they claimed was linked to an Israeli company.
The Houthis asserted that the seizure of the vessel was an act of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has denied any connection to the vessel, stating that there are no Israelis on board. The situation has escalated tensions in the region, highlighting the precariousness of maritime security in key international shipping routes.
This call from the G7 underscores the international community’s concern over the stability and safety of maritime navigation, particularly in strategically significant areas like the Red Sea.
The resolution of this situation remains critical not only for the direct parties involved but also for the broader implications it holds for international maritime law and global trade security.
