IMO Demands Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
LONDON — In a bold move, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a strong demand for an immediate halt to hostilities against ships and seafarers navigating through the strategic Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This call comes as a response to the escalating maritime threats in these vital waterways.
The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, meeting in London, adopted a resolution condemning these actions as “illegal and unjustifiable.” They highlighted the direct threat these hostilities pose to the freedom of navigation and the significant disruptions they cause to regional and global trade.
This resolution signifies a significant stance by the IMO member states following the seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader cargo ship by the Yemeni Houthi group in November in the Red Sea.
“Since then, there have been approximately 50 dangerous and destabilizing maritime attacks, resulting in the loss of several seafarers’ lives, while the 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader remain hostages,” the agency reported, urging for their “immediate and unconditional release.”
The resolution strongly criticized the actions of the Houthis for endangering lives, blocking vital humanitarian aid deliveries, raising the cost of such aid, and creating instability in the region. It also stressed the importance of finding a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez made a plea to governments and relevant organizations to support affected seafarers and to step up efforts to resolve the crisis. He underscored the Red Sea’s critical role as one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, particularly for oil and fuel shipments. — Agencies
