Israeli-Linked Cargo Ship Hijacked in Red Sea; Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Hold 25 Crew Members Hostage
An Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea has been hijacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are now holding 25 crew members hostage, according to Israeli officials. The ship is believed to have been captured due to its ties to Israel.
Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthi group, confirmed on Sunday that the rebels had taken control of the vessel and detained the crew members. In a statement on social media, Saree warned that any ships associated with or involved in dealings with Israel would be considered legitimate targets for the armed forces.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, are currently observing a cease-fire as part of the ongoing civil war with the Yemeni government. However, Saree declared that military operations against Israel would continue until the country ceased its campaign against Hamas, a militant group responsible for recent attacks on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties.
The Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack on the cargo ship and held the Houthis responsible. Calling it an act of Iranian terrorism, Netanyahu’s office emphasized the global security implications of such aggression.
While none of the crew members are Israeli nationals, the ship’s owners are reportedly associated with Ray Car Carriers, a company founded by Israeli billionaire Abraham Rama Ungar. The vessel, named the Galaxy Leader, is owned by a British company and operated by a Japanese firm, according to public shipping databases.
The incident raises concerns about third-party involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Iran and its proxies may be exploiting the situation to initiate a separate front against Israel and escalate tensions in the region.
The United States also condemned the seizure of the cargo ship, describing it as a flagrant violation of international law. A U.S. military official demanded the immediate release of both the ship and its crew.
This latest incident follows several encounters where U.S. warships intercepted missiles or drones believed to be targeting Israel or American vessels. In response, the U.S. Navy shot down a drone last week in the southern Red Sea, while a U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted a barrage of missiles fired by Houthi rebels last month.
Amid reports of increased attacks against American troops and assets in the Middle East, the U.S. has carried out retaliatory strikes on Iran and its proxies.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community calls for a resolution to these conflicts and the safe release of the crew members held hostage in the Red Sea.
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