On November 19, 2024, the United Nations Security Council called on the Houthi movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization, to immediately release the "Galaxy Leader" ship and its 25 crew members, who have been unlawfully detained for nearly a year.

The demand was made in a statement coinciding with the anniversary of the ship's capture, in which the Council condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in the strongest terms.

According to the statement, Security Council members emphasized the crucial role of the UN-imposed arms embargo in mitigating risks to maritime security along Yemen's coastline.

The members urged continued international cooperation in close collaboration with the UN, coastal states, and regional organizations to prevent further escalation and its potential multidimensional consequences.

The Council stressed the necessity of preventing the regional spread of conflict and its impact on security and stability both regionally and beyond. It pointed to the need to address the root causes of tensions contributing to regional instability and disrupting maritime security in the Red Sea, encouraging diplomatic efforts from all parties.

Additionally, the importance of navigational rights and freedoms for commercial vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea was highlighted, in accordance with international law.

On November 18, the International Chamber of Shipping called for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader crew, linked to an Israeli businessman, after a year of detention. Secretary-General Guy Platten remarked that it was unreasonable for the crew to remain hostages for such a lengthy period.

He noted that some of the sailors have been at sea for nearly two years, with limited contact with their families and loved ones.

The Houthis captured the cargo ship on November 19, 2023, claiming ownership ties to Israeli businessmen, and took the vessel to the coastal city of Hudaydah, along with its 25 crew members.

Since October, the Houthis have continued their missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, leading to increased marine insurance costs and prompting many international shipping companies to prefer the significantly longer route around Africa's southern tip.

In response to Houthi actions and to protect maritime traffic, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023, while U.S. forces have periodically conducted strikes against Houthi military targets.

Since January 12, there have been approximately 560 U.S. and British airstrikes against the Houthis, resulting in 58 deaths and 86 injuries among their ranks, according to the group's own admissions.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government argues that Western strikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to shipping, asserting that the most effective solution is to support its armed forces in regaining control of Hudaydah and its ports, as well as other areas held by the Houthis.