G7 calls on Yemen’s Houthis to stop threatening shipping, free Israeli-linked vessel

TOKYO — G7 foreign ministers call on Iran-backed Houthi rebels to cease threats to international shipping and to release a vessel they seized earlier this month.

“Emphasizing the importance of maritime security, we call on all parties not to threaten or interfere with lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by all vessels,” a statement released by G7 chair Japan reads.

“We especially call on the Houthis to immediately cease attacks on civilians and threats to international shipping lanes and commercial vessels and release the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew, illegally seized from international waters on November 19,” it adds.

The Houthis have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since Hamas terrorists poured over the border into Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 240.

On November 17, Houthis seized Israeli-linked cargo vessel the Galaxy Leader and its 25 international crew at the entrance to the Red Sea.