South Korean president criticizes Israel’s seizure of Gaza-bound aid ships carrying S. Koreans

SEOUL, May 20 (YPA) – 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 South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.

Lee described the latest seizure as “inhumane and extreme,” arguing that the location where the vessel was intercepted was not part of Israel’s territorial waters.

“We have been patient too long … (they) have gone too far,” Lee said, questioning the legality of the seizure and instructing the government to address the issue “strictly by the rule.”

Lee went on to ask whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to which National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac replied that it has. Lee then said this made Netanyahu “a war criminal.”

Israeli occupation 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.

@E.Y.M