Houthi Hijackers Seize Israeli-Linked Ship, Raising Concerns Over Mideast Shipping

Houthi rebels in Yemen released video footage showing armed individuals hijacking the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship registered under a British company partially owned by an Israeli businessman. The ship was hijacked via helicopter in the Red Sea and its crew, consisting of citizens from various countries, was held at gunpoint. The Houthis targeted the ship due to its ties to Israel and warned that any Israeli-linked vessels would be considered "legitimate targets." Israeli officials described the incident as an "Iranian act of terror," while the US and Japanese governments condemned the hijacking and called for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.