An aid flotilla for the Gaza Strip carrying a Korean international activist has been seized by Israeli forces. This is the second time a Korean activist aboard an aid flotilla intended to oppose the blockade of the Gaza Strip has been detained by the Israeli military.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 19th, citing the website and social media of the civic group ‘Korean Headquarters of the Freedom Flotilla for Palestine (KFFP)’, that the Kyriakos X, on which activist Kim Dong-hyun was aboard, was seized by the Israeli side the previous afternoon. According to KFFP, the vessel was seized at sea 465 km from the Gaza Strip.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, as of 10 a.m. that day, the Gaza aid flotilla vessel ‘Rina al Nabulsi’ carrying Kim Ah-hyun (activity name Haecho) was understood to be underway. However, as the vessel is located in waters near Israel, the risk of seizure is reportedly high.

Kim Ah-hyun boarded an aid flotilla opposing the blockade last October and was detained when Israeli forces seized the vessel en route to Gaza, then was released two days later. After Kim expressed early this year an intention to head to Gaza again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invalidated the passport of Kim Ah-hyun. Kim Dong-hyun, who was seized this time, is said to have joined the flotilla activities without prior notice and therefore did not come under passport restrictions.

Upon learning that the vessel carrying Kim Dong-hyun had been seized, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it requested through the Embassy in Israel that the Israeli authorities prioritize the safety of Korean nationals and take the necessary measures. The ministry stated, “We will continue to actively provide the necessary consular assistance for the aforementioned Korean national.”

KFFP stated, “We strongly condemn Israel for seizing a ship that was sailing peacefully on the high seas and abducting activists who sailed for peace for Palestine,” and added, “The Korean government must immediately act to secure the release of the activists abducted by Israel.”

The Gaza Strip is currently under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisory Level 4 (travel prohibited). Visiting or staying in a travel-prohibited area without an exceptional government permit for passport use can result in criminal penalties under the Passport Act and other laws.