Amid the Mediterranean Sea, which should have remained a route of peace, the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 fleet was instead met by Israeli military vessels on Monday (May 18).
In an interception carried out openly in broad daylight, 321 activists from 40 countries were detained, 39 ships were seized, and five Indonesian nationals were among those stopped in international waters off the coast of Cyprus. As of now, at least 10 vessels remain under detention.
The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described the moment in an official statement:
“Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and IOF forces are boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight.”
Five Indonesians Abducted, Four Still Sailing
Nine Indonesian nationals are known to have joined the mission through the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), carrying humanitarian aid in the form of infant formula and food supplies for the people of Gaza.
Five of them are currently being detained near Cypriot waters. The remaining four are still continuing the voyage and could potentially face similar interception.
Among those detained are four journalists: Bambang Noroyono from Republika, Thoudy Badai from Republika, Andre Prasetyo from TV Tempo, and Rahendro Herubowo from iNews. The fifth detainee, Andi Angga, is an activist.
Republika’s official social media account also shared a recorded message from Bambang, showing him holding an Indonesian passport while urging the government to take immediate action.
“I also wish for the government to continue to support Palestinian independence,” he said in the video.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated that the government has coordinated with Indonesian embassies in Cairo, Rome, Amman, and Istanbul. Preventive measures have also been prepared, including the issuance of emergency travel documents if the Indonesians’ passports are confiscated, as well as medical assistance if needed.
Ten Countries Condemn the Interception
The incident has sparked reactions far beyond Jakarta. Foreign ministers from ten countries, namely Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, and Spain, jointly condemned Israel’s actions.
They described the interception as a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, while also demanding the release of all detained activists.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, calling the flotilla a “malicious plan” designed to break the blockade imposed on Hamas.
This is not the first time such a fleet has been intercepted. On April 29, 22 vessels were stopped near Greece, with several activists reportedly beaten and some subjected to sexual harassment before eventually being deported.
The remaining ships later regrouped, added more vessels to the convoy, and entered international waters on Sunday for the final stage of their journey toward Gaza.
