All Indonesian Nationals Kidnapped by Israel Have Arrived in Istanbul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that nine Indonesian nationals who were abducted by Israel during a humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip have been released. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 volunteers arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday evening, 21 May 2026, before being repatriated to Indonesia.

“Praise be to God, all nine Indonesian nationals have landed in Istanbul,” said Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as quoted by Antara on Thursday night, 21 April 2026.

In Istanbul, Heni said the volunteers would undergo a number of procedures, including health checks. The government has not yet confirmed when they will be flown home to Indonesia. Heni said they would be repatriated as soon as all those procedures are completed. “What is certain is that they will be repatriated as soon as the process is finished,” Heni said.

The Israeli military operation to seize the Global Sumud Flotilla convoys began on Monday, 18 May 2026. The group was encircled while in waters off Cyprus, in the Mediterranean, on its way to Gaza, Palestine, to break the blockade. A total of 450 volunteers were abducted in the operation.

Harfin Naqsyabandy, Media Coordinator for Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the umbrella organisation for the GSF mission, confirmed that all delegations from Global Sumud Flotilla and Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) have been released from Israeli military detention on Thursday, 21 May 2026. Included among them were nine Indonesian nationals who had previously been detained at Ktziot Prison, Israel.

Nevertheless, Harfin emphasised that the situation remains dynamic. The process of repatriating the activists is still being monitored through legal channels, diplomacy, and international networks supporting the Flotilla. “We will continue to monitor so that all delegations, including the Indonesian nationals, can arrive safely and in good health soon,” Harfin said.

During detention, several delegations reported to GPCI that they experienced violence and inhumane treatment. Reported forms of treatment included beating, the use of taser guns, and rubber bullets, as well as insults, harassment, and coercion into painful body positions.