Japan contacted Yemeni rebels to try to obtain the release of the Galaxy Leader, hijacked in the Red Sea.
Japan says it is “directly approaching” Houthi rebels who hijacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea.
Tokyo said Monday it was also “communicating with Israel” as it seeks the release of the Galaxy Leader. The ship is owned by an Israeli businessman and operated by a Japanese company.
The Yemeni rebel group attacked the ship the day before as it was heading to India from Turkey, in response, it said, to “heinous acts” by Israel in Gaza.
The Japanese government has “strongly condemned” the seizure of the vessel operated by Nippon Yusen (NYK Line). Tokyo urged other affected countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman, to help persuade the rebels to quickly release the ship and hostages.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Tokyo was “communicating with Israel and in addition to directly approaching the Houthis, we also urge Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and other relevant countries to strongly urge the Houthis to quickly release the ship and crew members. “.
“Our government will continue to take the necessary measures in cooperation with the countries concerned while taking the situation into account,” she added.
Maritime consequences
Israel was quick to blame the attack on an “act of Iranian terrorism,” saying it would have consequences for international maritime security.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday denied Iranian involvement in the seizure of the ship, which Israel said was British-owned and operated by Japan.
After the attack, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree posted on X: “If the international community is concerned about regional security and stability, rather than expanding the conflict, it should end the Israeli aggression against Gaza. »
The vehicle transport ship was manned at the time of the attack by an international crew of 25, including Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Filipinos and Mexicans, but no Israelis, according to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was not involved in the ownership, operation or composition of its international crew of the ship, although the carrier’s parent company is owned by the Israeli businessman Abraham “Rami” Ungar, records show.
The Houthis have launched several missile and drone attacks against Israel since October 7, when a Hamas attack in Israel triggered an Israeli ground and air offensive on Gaza.
Last week, the Iran-aligned Houthis said they could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Saree renewed his warning that any ship belonging to Israel or those who support it will be a legitimate target for Houthi forces.
