Sugiono applauds GSF, pledges to press for the release of Indonesian nationals

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono praised the humanitarian spirit of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in aiding the Palestinian people and pledged to press for the release of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were seized by Israel while taking part in the convoy. ‘I think this represents a form of spirit and support for the independence of Palestine and in alleviating the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza,’ Sugiono said after a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday. He noted that humanitarian missions like this should receive support and appreciation. However, the humanitarian action was halted by Zionist Israeli forces and several convoy participants were detained. Sugiono emphasised that the humanitarian convoy should serve as a reminder for all parties to facilitate the delivery of aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. ‘We hope the objective of delivering humanitarian aid can continue to be carried out through various other channels,’ Sugiono said. He vowed to continue to champion the release of the Indonesian participants in the humanitarian convoy who were abducted by Israel so they can return home to the country in good health and without any shortage. Consequently, the Indonesian government has coordinated with friendly states capable of direct communication with Israel, given that Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also coordinated with RI representatives in the region to ascertain the condition of the nine Indonesians and to facilitate their repatriation. Among the nine Indonesians abducted were three national media journalists who were on assignment: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of Republika and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo. Indonesia strongly condemned the Zionist Israeli actions of intercepting aid ships in the GSF and detaining its volunteers, including several Indonesian nationals. The situation also underscores the importance of the Zionist regime ensuring the continuation of humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.