Global shipping leader Maersk has announced its intention to resume operations through the Red Sea and Suez Canal as soon as conditions permit, prioritizing crew safety above all else. CEO Vincent Clerc made the announcement during a press conference in Egypt alongside the Suez Canal Authority chief, expressing optimism following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This truce, Clerc noted, has created a more stable environment for navigating the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. However, Maersk has not yet set a definitive timeline for resuming the route, contradicting earlier claims by the Suez Canal Authority of a partial December reopening. The Red Sea has seen increased maritime traffic since the Gaza ceasefire on October 10, according to the canal authority. Maersk had previously diverted ships away from the region after repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who targeted vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks, totaling over 100 incidents from 2023 to 2024, prompted many shipping companies to reroute via the southern tip of Africa, costing Egypt an estimated $7 billion in lost Suez Canal revenue. Maersk has also faced criticism for its ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, leading to its divestment from companies linked to these settlements in June. The company has been accused of transporting military equipment to Israel, including components for F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza. Despite denying these allegations, Maersk has faced protests and scrutiny from human rights groups globally.