Israel Seizes Gaza Aid Flotilla, "One Korean Also Detained"

On October 8, 2025 (local time), the Israeli military seized international humanitarian aid flotilla vessels approaching the Gaza Strip and transported the activists on board to Israel.

It was reported that one Korean activist was also among those on the flotilla.

According to major foreign news outlets, the humanitarian flotilla "Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)" stated in a press release on this day, "The Israeli military has seized the humanitarian flotilla," adding, "Participants including humanitarian activists, doctors, and journalists from around the world were taken against their will, and it is currently unknown where they are being held."

The statement continued, "The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters," and emphasized, "Our flotilla poses no threat whatsoever."

Through its Instagram account, the FFC explained that the vessels carried more than $110,000 (156 million won) worth of medical supplies, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplements, all of which were intended to support hospitals in the Gaza Strip that have run out of essential goods.

On the same day, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) that the vessels and passengers were safe, had been transported to an Israeli port, and would soon be deported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Another futile attempt to break through the legal maritime blockade and approach a combat zone has ended with no results."

Civil society organizations such as the Korean Emergency Action for Solidarity with Palestine, Gangjeong Friends, and Pioneers held a press conference in front of the Israeli Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, urging the release of the detained activists and stating that one Korean national was among those detained.

According to these organizations, at approximately 11:40 a.m. Korean time on this day, 11 humanitarian aid vessels heading toward the Gaza Strip were seized by the Israeli military. Korean national activist Kim Ahyun was also on board this flotilla.

They stated, "The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Israel should immediately meet with the detainee and ensure access to legal counsel," and called on the Korean government and National Assembly "to strongly protest Israel's violations of international law and human rights abuses."