Nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission and were arrested by the Israeli military on May 18–19 have been released.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Foreign Minister (FM) Sugiono has confirmed that nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission and were arrested by the Israeli military on May 18–19 have been released.

“The Indonesian government gratefully conveys that the Indonesian citizens who were arrested by the Israeli military in the interception of ships and the arrest of volunteers who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 are currently on their way from Israel to Istanbul, Turkiye, and will soon continue their journey back to their homeland,” the Indonesian Foreign Minister said in his statement delivered here on Thursday (May 22).

The Indonesian government expressed its deepest appreciation to the Turkish government for its active role and full support in facilitating this repatriation process, he said.

The Indonesian FM said that the release of the nine humanitarian volunteers was the result of hard work and close coordination carried out intensively by the Indonesian government since receiving reports of the interception of the GSF 2.0 fleet.

“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens has optimized all available diplomatic channels, including through the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, while actively communicating with relevant international authorities and partners to ensure the safety and expedited release of all Indonesian citizens.”

“The Indonesian government reiterates its condemnation of the inhumane treatment received by volunteers during their detention,” Foreign Minister Sugiono stated in his statement.

He further said that actions that degrade the dignity of civilians during a humanitarian mission constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and cannot be tolerated.

“The Indonesian government will continue to oversee this repatriation process until all Indonesian citizens return home safely.”

Reporting by Indonesia Window