Images show tours on board Houthi hijacked ship

Groups of men have been photographed taking selfies and tours on a cargo ship seized by Yemen's Houthi rebels last month.

The Iran-backed group hijacked the Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea in November, saying it was Israeli.

Houthi militia members had earlier threatened to target Israeli ships over its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel denied the claim, while Japan's government said it was operated by Nippon Yusen.

Images taken by Reuters and EPA news agencies appear to show people exploring the large vessel.

A boat carries people to the Galaxy Leader which has been held at the port of Hodeidah in Yemen since its capture

Nippon Yusen, also known as NYK Line, has said the ship was carrying 25 crew members when it was seized near Hodeida in Yemen on its way to India.

Those on board are believed to include Bulgarian, Mexican, Filipino and Ukrainian nationals.

Japan's government said in November that its ministries and agencies were working with the relevant countries for the early release of the vessel and its crew.

Galaxy Leader is owned by Galaxy Maritime Ltd, which is registered in the Isle of Man. It is owned by Ray Car Carriers, which is co-owned by Israeli businessman Abraham Ungar, according to documents from the Isle of Man government's companies registry.

Images from on board have shown large groups of people entering and leaving the ship by motor boat, as well as several Yemenis armed with rifles walking the deck.

At least one part of the ship also displayed graffiti with a slogan expressing support for Hamas in the Gaza Strip.