Indonesia and World Condemn Israel Over Interception of Gaza Aid Ship

The Global Sumud Flotilla convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, Palestine, was intercepted by Israeli forces. The move has been described as a violation of international law against humanitarian activists.

The abduction of activists by Israel has become a topic of global discussion. Moreover, several Indonesian nationals were aboard the vessel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) said there were nine Indonesian nationals on the humanitarian mission to Gaza who were abducted by Israeli troops. Kemlu is monitoring the welfare of the Indonesian nationals there.

‘Indeed,’ said the Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) at Kemlu RI, Heni Hamidah, when contacted on Wednesday (20/5/2026). Heni answered questions about the nine Indonesians abducted by Israel.

The information was initially provided by Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI). They revealed there were two Indonesian nationals on the Kars-1 Sadabat vessel who were abducted by Israel.

‘Update Asad and Hendro, confirmation of the interception of the Kasr-1 Sadabat vessel. Total nine Indonesians abducted by Israel,’ said GPCI Media Coordinator Harfin Naqsyabandy to reporters, on Wednesday (20/5/2026).

Harfin explained that the two Indonesians were Asad Aras Muhammad, a Spirit of Aqso volunteer, and Hendro Prasetyo, a SMART 71 volunteer. Arin (Arfin?) said the two are known to have been detained by Israel.

‘The observation from the GSF command centre in Turkey,’ he added.

Condemnations also came from world leaders over Israel’s actions. Here is the world and Indonesia’s criticised response to Israel’s actions.

Foreign Ministry Not Silent

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s action in intercepting ships and detaining activists who were part of the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in waters around Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, said Kemlu spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in a statement on Monday (18/5).

Republika Media confirmed two journalists, including Indonesians, were captured by Israel. The media described the action as a serious violation of international law.

Tempo Magazine also confirmed that the journalist was one of the Indonesians captured. The Indonesian government is coordinating with the Indonesian Embassies (KBRI) in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare protective steps and expedite the repatriation of the volunteers.

Erdogan Condemns Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the Israeli forces’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Erdogan described the Israeli assault as ‘piracy and plunder’.

In his statement, reported by TRT World, on Tuesday (19/5/2026), he urged the international community to respond to what he called ‘unlawful acts’ by Israel.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan said that the interception and the assault targeting the humanitarian mission would not weaken global solidarity with Palestine or the effort to secure justice for Gaza.

‘We condemn Israel’s piracy and plunder as strongly as we can,’ Erdogan said, noting that the Global Sumud Flotilla was supported by activists from around 40 countries.

Spain Protests Israel

Spanish authorities summoned the Israeli diplomatic envoy to lodge a protest over the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Madrid condemned the action by the Tel Aviv forces as ‘a new violation of international law’.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, as reported by Anadolu Agency and Middle East Monitor, on Tuesday (19/5/2026), said that Spain had delivered ‘formal and firm protests’ to the Israeli chargé d’affaires in Madrid regarding the interceptions of the ships in the humanitarian mission.

In a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaty who was visiting Madrid, Albares referred to the Israeli forces’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla ships and said Madrid was monitoring the situation closely.

‘I do not have an exact number of Spanish nationals, but perhaps around 45 people,’ Albares said, referring to the number of Spanish nationals taking part in the humanitarian mission.

Palestinian Embassy Condemns Israel

The Palestinian Embassy to Indonesia condemned the actions of the Israeli army against the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who are described as defenders of human rights, justice, and international law,” said Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdalfatah AK Alsattari, quoted by Antara, on Tuesday (19/5/2026).

Alsattari also expressed thanks and appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto, the government, and all Indonesians for the ongoing historic support for the Palestinian people. He prayed that the Indonesians who were detained would return home safely soon.

‘We stand with all the participants of this flotilla, especially our brothers and sisters from Indonesia, and we pray to Allah SWT that they return safely to their homeland,’ he said.

On the other hand, Alsattari said he was not surprised by the actions of the Zionist Israel. According to him, various acts of violence by the Israeli army have long occurred, ranging from the massacre of civilians in Gaza to the confiscation of Palestinian land in the West Bank.