Indonesia Condemns Israel as Nine Citizens Return from Detention
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- Nine Indonesians, including volunteers and journalists, have returned safely after being detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
- The Indonesian government coordinated a multi-country evacuation while condemning Israel’s actions as a violation of international humanitarian law.
- The incident, involving hundreds of global activists, has sparked international criticism and renewed concerns over civilian protection in conflict zones.
akarta – Nine Indonesians who had been detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission have safely returned to Indonesia on Sunday, May 24, after a multi-stage evacuation process.
The group arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport following a coordinated repatriation route that took them from Israel to Turkey, then onward to Dubai, before finally returning home. Indonesian authorities confirmed that the evacuation was conducted under close diplomatic supervision to ensure their safety.
Of the nine individuals, six were humanitarian volunteers, while the remaining three were journalists covering the international civilian mission aimed at raising global awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. During the voyage, they were among hundreds of activists from various countries who were intercepted and detained by Israeli authorities.
The repatriation process began on May 21, when the Indonesian nationals were released alongside other international volunteers. The following day, they were transported to Istanbul, Turkey, where they underwent medical examinations, immigration processing, and official documentation procedures facilitated by Indonesian representatives.
After completing all administrative requirements, the group departed for Dubai on May 23 using a commercial flight. From there, they continued their journey to Jakarta, arriving at approximately 4:00 PM local time on May 24.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it had provided continuous assistance throughout the process, from initial detention to final return. Coordination involved multiple diplomatic missions, including the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul.
Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and protection of Indonesian citizens abroad. He also condemned the actions taken by Israeli forces, describing them as inconsistent with international humanitarian law, particularly given that the individuals involved were civilians engaged in humanitarian efforts.
According to data reported by Anadolu Agency, a total of 428 activists from 44 countries were detained during the incident. Several detainees have alleged that they experienced physical mistreatment while in custody, further intensifying international concern.
The incident has drawn widespread global attention, with several countries, including France and Italy, expressing concern over Israel’s handling of humanitarian activists and calling for greater accountability under international law.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
