Red Cross Monitors Condition of Crew Held by Houthi Rebels in Yemen

A team from the international Red Cross recently visited a 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel, which was hijacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels last year in the port city of Hodeidah. The visit was coordinated with local authorities, who provided access to the crew on the ship. This marks the second visit by the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the first occurring in May. The purpose of the visit was to monitor the conditions of detention and treatment of the detainees, as well as facilitate communication between the detainees and their families or diplomatic representatives.

The cargo ship was seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The crew members, hailing from Bulgaria, the Philippines, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, have been held hostage. The fate of the crew members is dependent on negotiations with Hamas, given the Israeli connection of the ship. The crew members are reportedly in good condition, maintaining communication with their families and receiving healthcare.

Several Filipino crew members have been experiencing significant health issues, including symptoms of malaria. Calls have been made for their release due to their declining health condition, but authorities in Sanaa have stated that their release depends on external decisions. The Houthis have targeted ships in the region, particularly since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing situation reflects the complexities of the conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis control significant territories following the civil war in 2014.

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