Is Israel’s Capture of Humanitarian Vessels Legal? President Lee Jae-myung Demands Answers

(The CEN News / Reporter Jeong Seong-hoon) President Lee Jae-myung sharply criticized the Israeli military after it detained Korean activists who had boarded international relief vessels bound for the Gaza Strip, calling the actions \”inhumane and excessive.\” He stressed that the seizure of the ships violated international norms and humanitarian principles and urged the government to respond on the basis of principle, even raising the issue of the ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House on May 20, while receiving a briefing on the Middle East, President Lee specifically addressed the vessel seizures. According to the Foreign Ministry, Israeli forces seized the ship carrying Kim Dong-hyun on May 18, and in the early hours of May 20 they seized the vessel carrying Kim Ah-hyun, leaving two Korean activists in custody.

President Lee pressed Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah and National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak for the legal basis of the seizures. He asked, \”Were those waters within Israel’s territorial sea? The Gaza Strip is not Israeli territory—was it justified to seize a third-country vessel that was en route to provide volunteer and humanitarian aid and to arrest and detain those on board?\”

He added that, apart from disputes between belligerents, the seizure of third-country vessels raises serious questions. \”Before legal analysis, isn’t there at least basic common sense and respect for international norms?\” Director Wi explained that Israel cited military control and entry restrictions on Gaza as its rationale, but President Lee said officials must determine whether measures applied outside Israeli territory are lawful and insisted the government should lodge a protest.

Lee acknowledged that South Koreans who ignored the government’s travel advisory could face domestic consequences, but he emphasized that detaining citizens on grounds that lack international legal justification is an altogether different issue. \”We have shown restraint until now, but this has crossed a line,\” he said, condemning the actions as severe and inhumane.

He also questioned whether the campaign in Gaza could be considered an unlawful invasion under international law. Director Wi responded that the conflict was in part triggered by Hamas’s large-scale attack and that any international-legal determination would require a more detailed review.

President Lee raised the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, saying, \”Hasn’t the ICC issued an arrest warrant? I understand many European countries have indicated they would detain him if he enters their territory. We should review what position we should take.\” Director Wi said he would examine the matter.

The presidential office said it is prioritizing the safety of the detained Korean activists and providing consular assistance, and it plans a comprehensive review of the international-law issues and diplomatic response options. At the end of the meeting, President Lee reiterated, \”They have ignored the most basic international norms. Respond according to principle.\”

(The CEN News) Reporter Jeong Seong-hoon until03@naver.com