Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Condemns Israel's Attack on Global Sumud Flotilla Ship, Demands Release of Indonesian Citizens and All Crew Members

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia condemns the Israeli military's attack on the ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla which carried out a humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip, urging the release of all detained crew members, including Indonesian citizens (WNI).

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military which has intercepted a number of ships belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 international humanitarian mission in the waters around Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean," said Spokesperson I of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yvonne Mewengkang in a written statement, Monday (18/5).

The Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of aid bound for the Gaza Strip, Palestine on Monday after sailing from Turkey last week, with organizers saying one of the ships was stopped off the west coast of Cyprus.

"Military ships are currently intercepting our fleet and IDF forces are currently boarding our first ship in broad daylight," Global Sumud Flotilla wrote on X, Al Arabiya reported from AFP.

"So far, at least ten ships have been confirmed to have been arrested, including the Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys ships. Based on information from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), on the Josef ship it was informed that there was an Indonesian citizen (WNI) named Andi Angga Prasadewa who was a delegate from GPCI - Rumah Zakat," said Yvonne.

Meanwhile, "the ship carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono is still being tried to be contacted to find out the status of the ship, including Bambang Noroyono on the ship," he continued.

"The situation on the ground is still very dynamic and the possibility of developments still needs to be anticipated," said Yvonne.

RED ALERT!

"Kapal militer saat ini mencegat armada kami dan pasukan IOF sedang menaiki kapal pertama kami di siang hari bolong.

"We demand safe passage for our legal, non-violent humanitarian mission. Governments must act now to stop these illegal acts or piracy meant to... pic.twitter.com/4RmPuswZNo

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) May 18, 2026

The latest Global Sumud fleet is the third initiative in a year aimed at breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has suffered severe shortages of food, water, medicine and fuel since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023.

The fleet, consisting of 50 ships, sailed from Turkey on Thursday last week. Previously, a similar fleet was intercepted by Israel last month. Last year, a similar fleet was also intercepted by Israel.

On Monday, Israel had vowed to block the ships.

"Israel will not allow any violation of the legitimate naval blockade of Gaza," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

"Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and immediately turn back," he continued.

"The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Israel to immediately release all detained international humanitarian missions and ensure the continuation of the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law," said Yvonne.

The diplomat, who served at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in New York from 2013 to 2016, added that from the beginning his party through the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens "has coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and the Indonesian Embassy in Amman to prepare anticipatory steps to ensure their safety and accelerate the repatriation process."

"The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also continues to communicate with various parties concerned to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of Indonesian citizens, as well as preparing contingency measures, including facilitating protection and accelerating the repatriation process if necessary," explained Yvonne.

"Protection of Indonesian citizens will continue to be the top priority of the Indonesian government in the midst of a rapidly evolving situation," he said.