May 22, 2026 | 02:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, Darianto Harsono, stated that nine Indonesian citizens detained by the Israeli military suffered physical violence. These nine Indonesians were captured by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean waters off Cyprus while heading to Gaza, Palestine, as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission.Darianto explained that the nine Indonesian volunteers have since been released by Israel and are in good health. "Although they experienced physical violence for three to four days, some were kicked, beaten, and even electrocuted," Darianto said in a video uploaded to the Instagram account @menluri, cited on Friday, May 22, 2026.However, Darianto did not specify who or how many Indonesian citizens endured the inhumane treatment. Currently, Darianto stated that the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul is working to repatriate them to the homeland. "We will arrange the repatriation of our fellow countrymen at the earliest opportunity," he said.The Israeli military's operation to capture the Global Sumud Flotilla group has been underway since Monday, May 18, 2026. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists and volunteers were cornered in the Mediterranean waters off Cyprus while en route to Gaza, Palestine, to deliver aid.The Global Peace Convoy Indonesia revealed that during their detention, some delegates reported to the GPCI that they had experienced acts of violence and inhumane treatment. Reported forms of abuse included beatings, the use of taser guns and rubber bullets, insults, harassment, and being forced into painful body positions.Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir also posted a video showing Israeli troops abusing the detained GSF volunteers. The video was uploaded through an X account on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.In the video, a number of volunteers captured by the Israeli forces can be seen. A woman is heard shouting "Free Palestine" before her head is pulled and forced down, resembling a bowing position in prayer. The video also shows Ben-Gvir walking around monitoring the captured volunteers.TV Tempo journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho was among those taken hostage. Andre stated that he is in good health despite sustaining multiple injuries across his body.According to him, his injuries are minor compared to the trauma suffered by other volunteers. "The others are worse; some have broken bones and all sorts," he said from Istanbul when contacting Tempo via a mobile phone belonging to an embassy staff member on Thursday.The Indonesian government condemned the violence and persecution carried out by Israel against the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission volunteers during their detention. "Actions that degrade the dignity of civilians on a humanitarian mission are a serious violation of international humanitarian law that cannot be tolerated," Foreign Minister Sugiono said in a video statement on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Read: Indonesia Condemns Israeli Violence Against Gaza Aid VolunteersClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
