Muscat: Oman has announced the success of its mediation efforts to secure the release of the crew members of the Galaxy Leader vessel, which had been held by the Yemeni Houthi group since November 2023.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Omani Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Wednesday confirming the successful release of the crew and their arrival in the Sultanate of Oman. The ministry highlighted that the release of the 25 crew members, hailing from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Mexico, Ukraine, and Romania, underscores Oman's commitment to its regional and international humanitarian role.
The Omani Foreign Ministry shared photos of the crew members upon their arrival in Muscat, noting that they were transported from Yemen's capital, Sanaa, via an Omani Royal Air Force aircraft. This was done in preparation for their eventual return to their respective countries. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed his satisfaction on his X account, stating, "We are happy to confirm the successful release of the Galaxy Leader crew and their safe arrival in Oman."
Earlier on Wednesday, the Yemeni Houthi group announced the release of the crew of what they described as an "Israeli ship" following a ceasefire deal that halted Israel's war on the Gaza Strip. The Houthi Political Bureau, in a statement cited by the group's news agency SABA, mentioned that the release was part of their support battle for Gaza and was facilitated by communication with the Palestinian group Hamas and Oman's mediation.
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also confirmed the release, noting that the Filipino seafarers are now under the care of the Philippines Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will soon be reunited with their families in the Philippines. President Marcos extended his gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which ensured the safe passage of the crew through Oman.
Israel, however, has denied that any Israeli ship was seized by the Houthi group in Yemen. The Houthi group has previously targeted cargo ships in the Red Sea that are owned or operated by Israeli companies or that transport goods to and from Israel, in solidarity with the Gaza Strip.
A ceasefire agreement in Gaza, effective from January 19, has suspended Israel's war, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 47,200 Palestinians and injuries to more than 111,160 individuals since October 7, 2023. The ceasefire agreement includes a prisoner exchange and aims for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The conflict has led to significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis, with more than 11,000 people missing and widespread destruction. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.