After President Lee Jae Myung urged Israel via social media to “comply with international law,” Korean civil society stepped forward in support. Civic groups, rather than dwelling on the method, agreed with the substance and issued successive responses of “late but welcome.” There were also calls for the Korean government to take a more proactive stance.

People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy issued a statement on the 12th, saying, “The matters pointed out by the president are only a very small part of the numerous anti-human-rights crimes perpetrated by the Israeli state power,” and, “It is regrettable that the president's criticism came too late and was in an unofficial format, but it is appropriate.” It further urged, “The People Power Party should stop bandwagoning with talk of ‘diplomatic burden’ and take a clear stance against the illegal aggression and crimes against humanity being committed by Israel and others.”

‘Emergency Action of Korean Civil Society in Solidarity with Palestine’ also issued a statement on the 11th, saying, “In 2024~2025, Korea was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and, as a member of the international community, had an opportunity to properly hold Israel to account,” and, “Although late, we welcome President Lee Jae Myung’s remarks that directly name the perpetrators of genocide and war crimes and that he will work harder to seek what can be done for universal human rights and the national interest of the Republic of Korea.” It continued, “As a responsible member of the international community and as a country that shares a history of colonial rule, the government must stop shirking responsibility and demonstrate its resolve through proactive action.”

Earlier, on the 10th, President Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter), linking to a post that included footage of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropping bodies on the battlefield in September 2024, and wrote, “Genocide of Jews and killings during wartime are no different.” In an additional post, he wrote, “International humanitarian law must be observed under any circumstances. Human dignity must likewise be upheld as a non-negotiable top priority.” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushed back on the 11th, saying, “The account cited by President Lee is notorious for spreading anti-Israel disinformation and disseminating lies about Israel“.

Although the Israeli side denies the related allegations, illegal detention and torture of Palestinians by Israel have been confirmed through multiple channels. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated in a report titled ‘Torture and Genocide’ released on the 23rd of last month that “Israel systematically carried out torture against Palestinian residents.” According to the report, since October 2023, Israeli authorities have arrested 18,500 Palestinians, including at least 1,500 children. As of February, 9,245 Palestinians were being held in detention facilities, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

The report also contained details of ‘specific torture’ against Palestinians. Israeli soldiers sprayed urine on Palestinian detainees and threatened to kill their family members. There were also instances of water torture, prolonged suspension while handcuffed, and beatings with batons. It was found that a staff member of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees was also arrested, tortured, and interrogated.

Rapporteur Albanese stated, “If torture is carried out against a specific population group and conditions of life are destroyed, that is a clear genocidal intent.”