9 Indonesians in Gaza aid flotilla return home

JAKARTA: Indonesia confirmed that all nine of its citizens detained by the Israeli military while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission to Gaza had returned home on Sunday.

Indonesia’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that they arrived in Jakarta at 3.30pm local time after undergoing medical examinations in Istanbul, Turkey.

Foreign minister Sugiono, who welcomed the group upon arrival, said the successful release and repatriation were the result of intensive diplomatic and consular efforts undertaken by the Indonesian government in coordination with various parties, including GSF and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia.

The vessel carrying volunteers for the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission was intercepted by the Israeli military near waters off Cyprus on May 18. They were subsequently detained in the Israeli port city of Ashdod and later released on May 21.

The minister also expressed his deepest appreciation to the Turkish government for facilitating the release process and assisting the Indonesians during their stay in Turkiye.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today