Israel: "No Detention of Korean Activists on Gaza Flotilla"... Also Denies Abuse Claims

"Deported Immediately After Arrival"
"Some Participants Staged as if Injured," Embassy Claims

Israel has stated that there was "no detention" of the two Korean activists who boarded a flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip. The country also categorically denied allegations of mistreatment by the Israeli military.

Activists Ahyeon Kim and Donghyun Kim, who were captured by the Israeli military after boarding a relief ship bound for Gaza, arrived at Incheon International Airport on the 22nd and responded to questions from the press. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Embassy of Israel in Korea issued a statement on the 26th, saying, "The two individuals completed the necessary procedures immediately upon arrival at Ashdod Port and were deported through an expedited process. This raises further doubts about the credibility of the claims they have made."

The embassy added, "Israel has expressed deep concern over attempts by activists to deliberately undermine the friendly relations between Korea and Israel," and noted, "This issue was recently raised with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well."

Previously, activists Ahyun Kim and Donghyun Kim, who were on the flotilla to Gaza, were captured by the Israeli military and returned to Korea on the 22nd. After returning, Ahyun Kim told reporters at the airport, "I was struck in the face multiple times by the Israeli military, and as a result, I can hardly hear out of my left ear."

Israel also denied the allegations of physical abuse. The embassy stated, "As the participants of the Gaza flotilla returned to their home countries, their cases received international attention, and various serious allegations—including claims of physical abuse—were leveled at Israel. Israel categorically denies these allegations."

The embassy further asserted, "No claims of abuse have been substantiated so far. Some participants staged themselves as if they were injured, taking photos while being carried on stretchers; however, in subsequent photos, they were seen healthy and without injuries."

The embassy also commented on the Gaza-bound flotilla, saying, "It operates as part of an organized political campaign for the benefit of Hamas, rather than with humanitarian objectives."

However, a video showing Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking activists on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla was recently released, sparking international controversy. Minister Ben-Gvir revealed footage of dozens of activists kneeling with their hands bound and their heads on the ground. He also visited the temporary detention facility where they were held, waving the Israeli flag and saying, "Welcome to Israel. We are the owners of this place."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.