JAKARTA: Indonesia has expressed utter condemnation for Israel’s treatment of volunteers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission, describing the actions as inhumane and contrary to humanitarian principles.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said Israel’s military actions against the flotilla and its volunteers constituted a clear violation of international law.
The ministry also stressed that protection of Indonesian citizens remains its top priority, and said it would continue to monitor the release process until all Indonesians are returned home safely.
"Since the initial departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Indonesian representations have been coordinating closely with various parties to ensure the safety and protection of Indonesian citizens,” the ministry said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday (May 21).
On Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed all nine Indonesians from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia participating in the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission had reportedly been detained by Israeli authorities.
The statement came amid growing international criticism over the reported aggression, violence, and humiliation committed against activists aboard the aid flotilla following their interception by Israeli forces.
Early Wednesday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir uploaded to social media a video of himself humiliating GSF activists upon their arrival at Ashdod port.
Meanwhile, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev uploaded another video in which she describes the activists as "terror supporters" and claims they were "drugged with alcohol.”
According to organisers, Israeli forces intercepted 50 vessels carrying 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish citizens, in international waters on Monday.
The flotilla departed from the Turkish resort district of Marmaris on Thursday in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007. - Bernama
