Jakarta Coalition Slams Israel After Aid Flotilla Seized

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- An Indonesian humanitarian coalition on Friday condemned Israel after it seized dozens of aid vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean and detained hundreds of activists.

Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (IGPC) said the flotilla, which had set sail to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver aid, was intercepted late Wednesday by the Israeli navy in international waters.

"This is a barbaric and reckless act against a non-violent humanitarian mission," IGPC said in a statement.

The group, a consortium of Indonesian aid organisations, urged Israel to immediately and unconditionally release the detained activists and withdraw its warships.

IGPC said the mission was peaceful and aimed at opening a humanitarian corridor into Gaza, accusing Israel of committing genocide in the enclave.

It said the seizure of vessels and detention of international activists was a serious breach of humanitarian and maritime law.

The coalition also pressed the Indonesian government and other nations to intensify political and diplomatic pressure on Israel and take steps to end the war.

"The humanitarian struggle must not be silenced by violence. The international community must act to stop Israel's war crimes," it added.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a separate statement, said it was monitoring the situation of one Indonesian national who joined the flotilla.

"At present, Muhammad Husein is en route to Cyprus. Based on communication as of Oct 2, he is in good condition.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Rome, which covers Cyprus, has deployed staff to provide the necessary assistance," the ministry said.

-- BERNAMA