Barran Press
The United Nations Security Council on Thursday, June 23, 2024, adopted a resolution demanding the immediate cessation of all attacks by the Houthi group against commercial and transport vessels in the Red Sea. The resolution, numbered 2739, was presented by the United States and Japan and received the support of 12 members. Algeria, China, and Russia abstained from voting.
The resolution specifically calls for the immediate release of the vessel "Galaxy Leader" and its crew. It further emphasizes the need to address the root causes of regional tensions and maritime insecurity, including ongoing conflicts, to ensure a swift, efficient, and effective response.
The resolution urges "caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and throughout the region." It encourages "strengthening diplomacy by all parties to achieve this goal, including continuing to provide support for dialogue and the peace process in Yemen under the auspices of the United Nations."
Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been launching attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea using missiles and drones. These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In December 2023, the United States, a key ally of Israel, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the group designated as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, US forces have been carrying out occasional strikes against Houthi military targets.