The return of the international crew abducted from the cargo ship Galaxy Leader seems increasingly unlikely in the near future. A senior Filipino diplomat expressed pessimism about their release until the Gaza conflict ends, while the Houthis claim Hamas now controls the sailors' fate.
Houthi forces hijacked the vessel in the Red Sea on November 19th, capturing its crew of 25 – 17 Filipinos, 2 Bulgarians, 3 Ukrainians, 2 Mexicans, and a Romanian.
Over 116 days since the incident, a high-ranking Philippine official reported no signs of the Houthis budging on releasing the crew until the hostilities cease.
"We have very little leverage," said Eduardo de Vega, a Philippine foreign affairs official responsible for millions of overseas Filipino workers. "The Houthis have indicated they'll hold the ship and crew hostage until the fighting in Gaza stops."
The Houthis claim to have relinquished control over the crew's release to Hamas.
