Jakarta: Indonesia on Saturday condemned the interception of the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters, and reiterated its support for the humanitarian mission. "Indonesia follows closely the report of attack by Israel to the Global Sumud Flotilla. We condemn the interception of the said humanitarian mission in international waters," Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl told Anadolu. Jakarta emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in international waters and ensuring the safety of humanitarian missions according to international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla was attacked on Thursday near the Greek island, approximately 600 nautical miles from its destination, the blockade-ravaged enclave of Gaza. On Thursday, Israel's Foreign Ministry reported that 175 activists were detained after more than 20 vessels were seized in international waters while en route to the Gaza Strip. The majority of the detained participants were released in Crete, although two individuals, identified as Thiago and Saif, remain in custody.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying 59 activists from various countries, including 18 Turkish nationals, landed at Istanbul Airport late Friday after departing from Crete. The flotilla's initial ships, carrying humanitarian aid, departed from Barcelona on April 12, with the main fleet setting sail from the Italian island of Sicily on April 26, aiming to break Israel's long-standing blockade of Gaza.

Israel has maintained a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, creating severe humanitarian challenges for the 2.4 million residents. The Israeli army initiated a significant offensive on Gaza in October 2023, resulting in over 72,000 deaths, injuries to more than 172,000 individuals, and widespread destruction across the territory.