The Houthi group announced today the release of the crew of the ship Galaxy Leader, more than a year after their detention, which occurred as a result of maritime operations between the group and Israel, stemming from the war launched by Tel Aviv in Gaza.

 

Al-Masirah TV, the media outlet of the group based in Sanaa, reported that the release was part of the efforts led by Sultanate of Oman, a country that has been leading ongoing diplomatic mediation in Yemen. The statement also noted that the release was in support of the ceasefire in Gaza.

 

The Supreme Political Council, which serves as the Houthis' governing body in the areas under their control, confirmed that the release was coordinated with Hamas.

 

Diplomatic sources informed Al-Mawqea Post that an Omani delegation arrived in Sanaa yesterday on a military plane to facilitate the release of the detained crew, who had been held since November 19, 2023.

 

These same sources indicated that the Omani delegation returned with the maritime crew, which includes sailors from several nationalities, such as Ukraine, Bulgaria, Philippines, and Mexico, which their countries had previously appealed to the Houthis for their release.

 

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of the internationally recognized Yemeni government arrived in the Omani capital, Muscat, for his first official visit, where he met with Omani officials. This visit coincided with the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the crew.

 

In a related development, the Hamas representative in Yemen appeared alongside the head of the internationally unrecognized Houthi government expressing his gratitude to the Houthi group and Oman for their efforts, which he described as supportive of the Palestinian people.

 

This release reflects the Houthis' openness to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Yemen. It also coincides with recent global and regional developments, including the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency, the ceasefire in Gaza, and international efforts to establish peace in Yemen.