Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has strongly criticised Israel after South Korean citizens were reportedly detained by Israeli forces during an incident linked to a Gaza bound aid flotilla in international waters.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lee described Israel’s actions as “way out of line” and questioned whether the detention of civilians outside Israeli territorial waters could be justified under international law. His comments marked one of the strongest public criticisms made by a South Korean leader against Israel in recent years.
According to reports, the South Korean nationals were among activists and volunteers travelling on vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance toward Gaza. Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla as part of Israel’s long standing blockade on the Palestinian territory. Israel has repeatedly defended the blockade, saying it is necessary for national security and to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups operating in Gaza.
President Lee, however, said the detention of foreign civilians in international waters raised serious concerns about legal standards and human rights. He stated that the international community should not remain silent when actions affecting civilians go beyond accepted international norms.
The South Korean government has not yet released detailed information about the detained citizens, including how many people were involved or whether they have been released. Officials in Seoul said diplomatic channels were being used to secure information and ensure the safety of the South Korean nationals.
The latest dispute has added fresh tension to relations between South Korea and Israel, which have already faced strain in recent months due to Lee’s outspoken remarks on the war in Gaza and the broader humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories.
Earlier this year, Lee faced criticism from Israeli officials after comparing the suffering of Palestinians to historical tragedies including the Holocaust. Israel strongly objected to those remarks and accused the South Korean president of making inappropriate comparisons. The controversy widened after Lee reposted online footage allegedly showing mistreatment of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers.
At the time, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry attempted to reduce diplomatic tensions by explaining that Lee’s remarks reflected humanitarian concerns rather than hostility toward Israel. Israeli authorities later acknowledged the clarification, and both sides tried to move past the disagreement.
However, Tuesday’s comments suggest that differences between the two governments continue to remain sensitive, especially as the conflict in Gaza continues to draw international criticism and humanitarian concern.
President Lee also referred to the International Criminal Court warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said several European countries appeared willing to act on the warrants if Netanyahu visited their territory, but stressed that South Korea would make its own independent decisions regarding international legal matters.
Political analysts in Seoul believe Lee’s comments reflect growing public concern in South Korea over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Civic groups, student organisations and religious communities in the country have increasingly called for stronger international action to protect civilians affected by the conflict.
The issue also carries wider economic and strategic importance for South Korea. The country depends heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, and rising tensions in the region continue to create concerns about oil prices, shipping routes and regional stability.
While diplomatic communication between Seoul and Israel is expected to continue, observers say the latest developments could keep relations under pressure in the coming weeks as international attention remains focused on the Gaza conflict and humanitarian conditions in the region.