FPCI condemns interception and detention of Indonesian citizens in Gaza humanitarian mission

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) condemns the interception and detention of civilians, including Indonesian citizens (WNI), by the Israeli military in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission in the eastern Mediterranean. “This action violates the principles of freedom of navigation, protection of humanitarian personnel, and immunity of civilian missions under international humanitarian law,” FPCI said in a written statement on Instagram on Wednesday. According to FPCI, based on information from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the flotilla was delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza residents when several participants, including nine Indonesian citizens, were intercepted. FPCI expressed deep concern over the detention of Indonesian nationals involved in the humanitarian mission and called for the immediate release of all detainees. “We demand the immediate release of all detainees and to guarantee the safety of civilians involved in the humanitarian mission,” FPCI said in the statement. FPCI also welcomed a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain condemning Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud flotilla. The organisation voiced full support for the diplomatic steps taken by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to safeguard Indonesian nationals amid the evolving situation. Earlier, Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia had engaged with Jordan, Turkey, and Egypt to ensure the safety of the nine Indonesian nationals detained by Israel. Sugiono said the government would maximise all efforts to ensure the nine Indonesian participants in the Gaza humanitarian convoy can return to Indonesia safely at the earliest opportunity. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday confirmed that the nine Indonesian participants in the Gaza mission were victims of interception by Israeli forces against the convoy ships. Among the nine Indonesians were three national journalists, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of Republika and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo.