The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) calls on Yemen’s Houthis to halt attacks all on commercial ships in the Red Sea, to de-escalate threats to shipping and release seafarers who continue to be held hostage.
On Sunday, the Houthis declared they would suspend attacks on non-Israeli vessels following the new Gaza ceasefire—while maintaining threats to Israeli-owned or -flagged ships until all phases of the ceasefire agreement are implemented. The group also announced a conditional lifting of 'sanctions' against ships linked to Israel, the United States, and Britain, depending on how the ceasefire progresses.
“For too long, seafarers operating in these waters have been forced to endure unacceptable risks,” said Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary. “The missile attack on the True Confidence is perhaps the most sobering reminder that promises alone do not protect lives. We need a permanent de-escalation to be confirmed now. “We call on the Houthis to immediately end all hostilities, to release all crews currently being held captive and provide concrete guarantees that no other seafarer will suffer the same fate. Until that happens, shipping companies and charterers must take every possible step to avoid putting seafarers’ lives at risk in this region.”