International Statement Urges Houthis to Release the Ship “Galaxy Leader” and Its Crew Immediately
Yemen Monitor/Newsroom
The foreign ministers of the G7 group on Friday condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis against commercial ships crossing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as naval vessels protecting them.
“We are deeply concerned about the killing of three innocent seafarers on board the True Confidence ship and the sinking of the ship Rubymar, which has created a significant navigational hazard and environmental threat,” they said in a statement following their three-day summit on the Italian island of Capri.
They called on the Houthis to immediately release the Galaxy Leader ship and its crew, which was seized on November 19, 2023.
“In line with UN Security Council Resolution 2722, we reiterate our support for States exercising the right to self-defense of their ships against attacks, in accordance with international law, and call for continued international engagement in close cooperation with the United Nations and coastal States, as well as with regional and subregional organizations to prevent further escalation with potentially multidimensional consequences,” the statement added.
The statement also expressed deep concern about the situation in Yemen, particularly with regard to the humanitarian conditions of the Yemeni civilian population.
“The Yemeni parties must allow safe, rapid and unimpeded access to all those in need, end the requirements that restrict women’s freedom of movement and hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and remove obstacles to the delivery of aid, particularly to the most vulnerable groups,” the statement said.
“All parties must also comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” it added.
They reiterated their strong support for the United Nations and Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen.
The ministers welcomed the understanding reached in December 2023 between the Presidential Leadership Council and the Houthis, which included a commitment to a set of measures to implement a nationwide ceasefire and improve living conditions in the country.
The statement urged all parties concerned, particularly the Houthis, to engage in good faith in preparations for a comprehensive political process in consultation with civil society and under the auspices of the United Nations.
The statement called for accountability for human rights abuses, including serious violations of children’s rights, abuses and violations of international humanitarian law
