The hope for the return of the international crew held captive on the hijacked cargo ship is dwindling. The ship, named Galaxy Leader, was seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea back in November. The crew comprises 17 Filipinos, two Bulgarians, three Ukrainians, two Mexicans, and a Romanian.
It’s been over 116 days since the hijacking, and there are no signs of the hostages being released anytime soon. A senior Filipino diplomat revealed that the Houthis, who hijacked the ship, are linking the crew’s release to the end of the conflict in Gaza. The Houthis claim they’ll only release the hostages when the hostilities in Gaza come to a close.
The situation is further complicated as the fate of the crew is now said to be in the hands of Hamas, as per statements from the Houthi spokesperson. The Houthis have handed over the decision regarding the release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew to Hamas, a Palestinian militant group.
Efforts to negotiate the release of the hostages are hindered by the Houthis’ demand for official recognition as the government of Yemen. However, this demand is unlikely to be met due to their attacks on ships in the Red Sea, making negotiations challenging.
The crew’s conditions seem to be stable, with reports indicating that they are being provided with food and allowed brief calls with their families. The hostages are mostly kept on the ship itself, with some freedom to move around on deck, while others have been held onshore at times.
Despite efforts to negotiate through an honorary consul, diplomatic access to the hostages remains difficult due to the complex political situation in Yemen.
The conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by foreign interventions, has led to a dire humanitarian crisis in one of the poorest countries in the Middle East. The attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea have disrupted trade routes and posed risks to sailors’ lives.
The recent fatal attack on the M/V True Confidence, resulting in the deaths of two Filipinos and a Vietnamese crew member, underscores the dangers faced by sailors in the region. The Houthis’ continued attacks on ships indicate a volatile situation that threatens maritime trade and the lives of seafarers.
Efforts to repatriate the crew and ensure their safety are ongoing amidst the diplomatic and security challenges posed by the conflict in Yemen and the actions of the Houthi rebels. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that will secure the release of the hostages and prevent further harm to sailors operating in the region.
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