Fully Armed, as Israel Detains Indonesian Nationals and Others on the Global Sumud Flotilla

The Israeli Navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, in waters around Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean on Monday, 18 May 2026. Nine Indonesian nationals aboard the vessel were reported to have been detained by the Israeli Defence Forces. Four of those detained were journalists: Bambang Noroyono, alias Abeng, of Republika; Thoudy Badai; Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo; and Rahendro Herubowo from GPCI. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry condemned the actions and urged Israel to release all ships and crew immediately and to guarantee the continuation of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.