Indonesia’s FM Sugiono Condemns Interception Of Gaza-Cound Aid Ship By Israel

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, June 10 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of a humanitarian aid vessel bound for Gaza, describing the move as a blatant violation of international law.

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, he stated that the Madleen vessel was intercepted in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.

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“This is yet another blatant violation of international law and a cruel blow to those suffering in Gaza,” he wrote.

Sugiono criticised Israel’s ongoing blockade, saying that restrictions on both land and maritime aid amounted to collective punishment and were worsening the risk of mass starvation in Gaza.

He cited international legal obligations, including provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice, stating that Israel must allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of aid workers.

While welcoming international efforts to establish a maritime corridor to Gaza, he cautioned that this must not undermine the need to reopen land access, which he characterised as Gaza’s most urgent lifeline.

“I have consistently emphasised that opening all humanitarian access routes to Gaza is an absolute necessity,” Sugiono said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming High-Level Conference on Palestine in New York, he called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take decisive action.

“We must protect civilians and adopt a resolution that ends the blockade and guarantees sustained humanitarian access,” he added.

-- BERNAMA