Shipping companies expressed caution about using the shorter route between Asia and Europe that many ships have avoided for more than a year.

British and American ships are tentatively returning to the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed to hold off attacks on vessels linked to both nations, a sign that traffic on one of the world’s main trade routes could normalize after more than a year of disruption.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has released the crew of a cargo ship more than a year after its fighters hijacked the vessel in the Red Sea, as part of its campaign of attacks in support of Hamas in its war against Israel.

The world’s top three container operators said they fear instability in Gaza and broader regional tensions mean continued danger.

U.S. ships are returning to the Red Sea following promises from Yemen’s Houthi rebels to abstain from attacks on American and British vessels. The pledge, which comes after more than a year of

Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels have also declared a truce in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who receive support from Iran, have announced an end to their attacks in this strategically significant trade route.

The ship was drifting and ablaze some 225 kilometers off the coast of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen held by the country's Houthi rebels