[News Today] Criticism over Gaza aid ship seizure

[LEAD]

Israeli forces have seized part of an international aid flotilla carrying relief supplies to Gaza. A Korean activist was among those on board.

President Lee Jae Myung strongly criticized Israel over the seizure, calling it excessive and inhumane.

[REPORT]

A vessel carrying international aid was bound for Gaza.

Armed Israeli soldiers approached and reportedly gunshots were fired.

Activist on Aid-carrying Vessel /

They’re shooting at us. Why are you shooting?

The Israeli government claimed that no live rounds were fired, but the aid ship was seized and on board was a Korean activist.

Korean Flotilla for a Free Palestine /

They threatened the sailors and tried to sink the ships with their naval vessels and fired at unarmed activists.

President Lee Jae Myung publicly took issue with the developments.

Lee Jae Myung / President

What is their legal basis? Was it Israeli territorial waters?

Kim Jin-a / 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

They arrested all the crew that entered the area.

Lee Jae Myung / President

We should determine whether it was illegal or legal. Does anyone know?

Even National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stepped up to answer the president's questions.

Wi Sung-lac / National Security Adviser

From the Israeli standpoint, they are in a state of war.

Lee Jae Myung / President

If they’re in a state of war, is it okay to arbitrarily capture third-country ship?

President Lee said not following government recommendations and going to a travel-restricted region was an internal issue, and strongly reproached Israel for arresting a Korean national without a valid reason under international law and said 'it was very excessive'.

He also called for Korea to consider complying with the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.