In a significant act that has raised concerns over international maritime security, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed to have seized control of an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. The incident has been described by Israel as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with potential consequences for global shipping routes. The hijacking of the British-owned and Japanese-operated vessel, Galaxy Leader, reportedly owned in part by an Israeli businessman, occurred while the ship was en route from Turkey to India, with 22 individuals on board.
A spokesperson for the Houthi military confirmed the hijacking and announced the initiation of operations to target Israeli-flagged ships. International sailors have been warned against working for companies associated with Israel. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the crew would be treated in accordance with Islamic norms and principles. Saree further emphasized that any ship connected to Israel or those supporting it would be considered a legitimate target for Houthi forces.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has fueled tensions in the region, with the Houthis, backed by Tehran, launching several missile and drone attacks against Israel since the recent assault on the besieged territory began on October 7. These attacks have claimed the lives of over 12,300 Palestinians, including 5,000 children. Analysts anticipate further attacks on Iranian targets in the coming days.
The Israeli government condemned the hijacking as a “very serious event on a global level.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that Israel had no involvement in the ship’s ownership, operation, or crew composition. The 25 crew members on board are from various countries, including Ukraine, Mexico, the Philippines, and Bulgaria. Israel’s military also denied any connection to the vessel, emphasizing that it is not an Israeli ship.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation, according to a defense official. While the shipping company that partly owns the ship is associated with an Israeli businessman, there is no concrete evidence presented by Israel implicating Iran in the hijacking. The accusations made by the Israeli prime minister’s office lack substantiation, according to reports from Tehran.
The conflict in Gaza has heightened the risk of a wider regional conflict, with international organizations and political leaders expressing concerns. Iran, traditionally distancing itself from armed groups opposing Israel in the Middle East, has indicated that the conflict could potentially spread due to Israel’s continuous bombardment of Gaza, which has been labeled as a “genocide” against the Palestinian population.
As tensions escalate, the international community remains watchful of the situation, recognizing the potential implications for global shipping routes and the broader stability of the region.
