Yemen-based Houthi rebels released the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader on Wednesday after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

On Sunday, the first day of a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began with the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. During the 15-month long war that began when Hamas slaughtered 2,000 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, the Houthis began attacking cargo vessels in the Red Sea, a primary shipping route between Europe and Asia.

In November 2023, the Houthis seized the Galaxy Leader and its crew of 25 sailors from the Philippines, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Mexico. The Iran-backed group began launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in what it said was in support of the Palestinians.

"The release of the Galaxy Leader crew comes within the framework of our solidarity with Gaza and in support of the cease-fire agreement," Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said in a statement. He said the group could resume its attacks if the ceasefire agreement fails.

The vessel, which been anchored off the coast of Yemen since its capture, is owned by Ray Car Carriers, a company registered in the Isle of Man and is partially owned by Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar.

Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary-general of the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization's, praised the release saying, "This is a moment of profound relief for all of us, not only for the crew and their families, but also to the wider maritime community.

"Today's breakthrough is a testament to the power of collective diplomacy and dialogue, recognizing that innocent seafarers must not become collateral victims in wider geopolitical tensions."

Hans Grunberg, the U.N.'s special envoy for Yemen added, "This is a step in the right direction, and I urge [the Houthis] to continue these positive steps on all fronts, including ending all maritime attacks."

The Houthis announced over the weekend they will not attack shipping vessels as long as the ceasefire holds.

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