Seoul, May 20 (SANA) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized Israel’s detention of South Korean citizens aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted in international waters, describing the move as lacking legal justification under international law.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Lee described the detention as “a blatant overreach” and questioned whether such actions could be allowed to pass without response or protest, according to Reuters.
Lee said the detention of South Korean nationals in international waters could not be justified under international law and stressed that Seoul was closely monitoring developments surrounding the incident.
The South Korean president also referred to the growing international debate over the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He noted that several European countries were considering enforcing the warrant, while affirming that South Korea would determine its own position independently.
Israeli forces on Monday intercepted vessels from the “Global Steadfastness Flotilla” as they sailed from Turkey toward Gaza through international waters near Cyprus.
Organizers of the flotilla said the mission was humanitarian and peaceful and aimed to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, while reports indicated that dozens of participants were detained during the operation.
The interception has drawn increasing international attention amid renewed criticism of restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza.
R.H/R.K
