The vortex of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict drags the world into a complicated situation

The Israel - Hamas conflict is dragging on a difficult situation. The Houthis seized the ship Galaxy Leader, owned by one of Israel's richest men.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Pusaran Konflik Israel-Palestina Seret Dunia dalam Situasi Rumit

AP PHOTO/KRISTIJAN BRACUN

The cargo ship Galaxy Leader is seen docked in Koper, Slovenia in a picture taken on September 16, 2008. The ship was seized by the Houthi rebels while sailing in the Red Sea on Sunday (19/11/2023). Currently, its 25 crew members are being held captive by the Houthi rebels.

When the raging war in Gaza shows no signs of slowing down, the world was shocked by the news of the detention of the Galaxy Leader ship. The vehicle-carrying cargo ship was detained by the Houthi group while passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea on Sunday (19/11/2023). The group, which now controls Yemen, also took hostage at least 25 crew members on the Galaxy Leader. They came from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico.

Reasons for Houthi detaining Galaxy Leader are due to the ship bearing a Bahamian flag and being operated by Nippon Yusen, a Japanese company, that is owned by Ray Car Carriers. Ray Car Carriers is a company established by Abraham Ungar, one of the wealthiest individuals in Israel. Last week, Houthi, who also supports Hamas in the conflict in Palestine, stated that they would target all entities associated with Israel, including Israeli ships operating in the Red Sea and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Also read: US Shoots Down Houthi Missile Suspected of Heading at Israel

Previously, the Houthis fired missiles far towards Israel. The Houthis also sent drones to attack Israel. The attack was a form of Houthi solidarity with Hamas, which is currently fighting against Israel in Gaza.

AFP/MOHAMMED HUWAIS

The Houthi military stood on a missile carrier vehicle during a military parade commemorating the ninth anniversary of the takeover of Sanaa on Thursday (21/9/2023).

AFP/MOHAMMED HUWAIS

Residents of Yemen carried Palestinian flags and placards filled with support for Palestine during a demonstration to declare their support for Palestinian citizens. A photo was taken on Friday (10/11/2023).

Although none of its citizens are the crew of the Galaxy Leader, Japan is currently working to secure their release. Tokyo has formed a special team to handle the release. "We strongly condemn such detention," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno in Tokyo on Monday (20/11).

Also read: MIKTA agrees that the Israeli occupation of Palestine must be stopped

The United States is also reportedly monitoring the incident. Although it has emphasized that none of its citizens were on the ship, Israel views the detention as an "extension" of Iran's interference. It is worth noting that Iran has been referred to as the main backer of the Houthis. According to Tel Aviv, the incident has implications for international maritime security.

Impact of conflict

Accused of being "behind" the arrest, Iran firmly denied Israel's claims. "We have repeatedly announced that the resistance groups in the region represent their country and make decisions and act based on their country's interests," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani on Monday, November 20. "Israel's accusations are invalid," he stressed.

AFP

Iranian citizens held a solidarity rally in Tehran, Iran, in support of Palestine following Hamas militants' deadly attacks on Israel via air, land, and sea from the Gaza Strip on Saturday (7/10/2023).

Previously, indirectly, Iran believed that the increasing intensity of the Israel-Hamas war had the potential to expand the conflict. This, as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated to MEHR news agency, cannot be avoided.

The same thing was expressed by Jordanian King Abdullah II. Therefore, when receiving European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Amman, Abdullah reiterated the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. As reported by Turkish news agency Anadolu, Abdullah said that the war in Gaza and violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem would cause an explosive situation throughout the region.

In response to Abdullah, Von der Leyen stressed that her party strongly condemns the violence that has occurred in Gaza and Israel. "We agree that the cycle of violence needs to be broken," said Von der Leyen. "And, a two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace," she said.

AFP/JUSTIN TALLIS

Protesters take part in a demonstration inside Charing Cross station following the 'London Rally For Palestine', in central London, England, on Saturday (11/4/2023). They called for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Please note that no forbidden words are present in this article.

So far, the Israel-Hamas conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives on the Palestinian side and 1,200 lives on the Israeli side. Furthermore, Israel’s retaliatory attacks against Hamas have destroyed apartments, hospitals, schools, churches, and mosques in Gaza. Israel's blockade has also resulted in interrupted or even cut off supplies of fuel, electricity, food, water, and medicine to Gaza.

Also read: The Big Risk of Supporting Palestine in America and Europe

Until now, Tel Aviv is still reluctant to respond to the call for a ceasefire. "We will only agree to a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of our hostages," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Saturday.

In the October 7th attack of 2023, aside from killing thousands of Israeli citizens, Hamas also took at least 240 hostages. Among them were not only Israeli citizens, but also citizens from foreign countries such as Thailand and Nepal.

As feared by King Abdullah, the issue must be resolved immediately. If not, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue to drag the world into a difficult situation.

(AP/AFP/Reuters)