Volunteers and Journalists Kidnapped by Israel, AWG Urges Government to Take Firm and Concrete Action

Aqsa Working Group (AWG) condemned in the strongest possible terms the actions by Zionist Israel in intercepting, attacking, and arresting humanitarian volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Indonesian journalists who were carrying out their journalism duties and humanitarian mission to Gaza. The brutal actions constitute a clear violation of international law, press freedom, and universal humanitarian principles. AWG Presidium Chairman Anshorullah urged the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to take firm and real diplomatic steps to protect Indonesian citizens and bring the case to international forums. These diplomatic steps include immediately withdrawing from the Board of Peace (BoP) as a form of strong protest against the attack and illegal arrests. “AWG condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrests and intimidation of humanitarian volunteers as well as Indonesian journalists in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission,” Anshorullah told Republika on Monday (18 May 2026) night. He stressed that the arrests were illegal because they occurred in international waters and contrary to international law and the principle of freedom of navigation.