The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, halting the 15-month war, but urged for the unconditional release of all hostages and others held without due judicial process, including transport workers such as seafarers kidnapped in the Red Sea.
ITF urged 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.
“The wellbeing of the seafarer hostages must remain a priority amid these evolving developments,” said David Heindel, ITF Seafarers’ section chair and president of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). “We urge the Houthi leadership to take immediate steps toward the release of all captive seafarers – this is an urgent and essential matter.”
Meanwhile, many in the shipping industry warn that the Red Sea trade route remains “too risky” for the foreseeable future. The ITF urges shipping companies and charterers to divert vessels away from the danger zone until seafarers’ security can be assured.
“The ITF remains committed to collaborating with governments, industry stakeholders, and all relevant parties to achieve a lasting solution,” said Heindel. “However, until clear and verifiable assurances are in place to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Red Sea, we urge the industry to prioritise the safety of seafarers above all else. Their wellbeing should never be compromised for commercial considerations.”
Earlier yesterday, the ITF welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, stressing the need for full compliance from both parties, immediate humanitarian relief for Gaza, and the release of all hostages.
This agreement provides an urgent possibility to end the bloodshed, deliver unhindered and rapid life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza, reunite families, ITF said, and begin the arduous journey of rebuilding what has been torn apart.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF president, said: “This ceasefire must do more than silence bombs – it must open the door to hope, justice and recovery for all those who have suffered unimaginable pain over the past 15 months.
“We call on both parties to uphold their commitments in full and strictly implement the ceasefire, prioritise delivering critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, to ensure that this moment marks a genuine turning point.”
ITF urged for a permanent ceasefire with full respect for international humanitarian law, for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and increased delivery of vital aid to alleviate the suffering of millions in Gaza, for the strict adherence to international law by all parties to protect civilian lives, transport workers and key workers in the region, and for the unconditional release of all hostages and others held without due judicial process, including transport workers such as seafarers kidnapped in the Red Sea.
The ITF also urged to bolster support for the international legal order and institutions.
Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, added: “Strengthened international cooperation between unions is essential to protect workers from exploitation, rebuild livelihoods, and advocate for decent working conditions, ensuring the voices of transport workers are at the forefront of the recovery and peacebuilding process.”
