Thekabarnews.com—Republika strongly condemns the arrest of two of its journalists by Israeli forces while they were on a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Two journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were on board the international humanitarian convoy known as the Global Sumud Flotilla. This convoy carried medical supplies, logistics, and humanitarian aid to deliver to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Republika confirmed both journalists were on the mission to do journalistic coverage and humanitarian work with Indonesian volunteers.

The delegation consisted of nine Indonesian volunteers. Two of whom (Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, journalists) were on journalistic and humanitarian duties.

“Protecting them is our serious concern,” Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin said in an official statement on Monday, May 18.

The news organization criticized the Israeli military forces for controlling the aid ship in international waters.

The act was a grave breach of international law, humanitarian principles, and civilian liberties, said Republika.

“We strongly condemn the Zionist Israeli military for hijacking the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission in international waters,” Republika stated.

Such an action is a clear violation of international law and universal humanitarian principles. It also violates the civil liberties of the world’s citizens who are providing assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Republika said the humanitarian delegation carried no weapons and did not bring any military equipment.

Instead, the volunteers brought medicine and logistical and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. These civilians have endured months of blockade, hunger, and relentless military assault.

“The volunteers arrived not with weapons but with solidarity, medicine, logistical aid, and the voice of the world’s conscience for Palestinian civilians,” the statement said.

The attack has sparked wider concerns about the safety of journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict zones, especially on Gaza-related missions.

Press freedom groups have repeatedly warned that journalists covering humanitarian crises are often at high risk. They face detention, intimidation, and restricted access.

Republika once again expressed its support for the international volunteers involved in the mission. It also denounced the so-called criminalization of human rights on the high seas.

“We stand with humanitarian volunteers everywhere. It opposes the criminalization of humanitarian missions in international waters,” the statement said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla mission is progressing as the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire. International agencies warn of shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities.

Since the detention of the Indonesian journalists, Indonesian observers and humanitarian activists have expressed concern. Many are calling for more information about their condition and legal standing.

Israeli authorities did not provide official word on Monday evening about the detention of the two Indonesian journalists or the status of the humanitarian vessel.

The incident underscores the escalating global tensions about humanitarian access to Gaza and the risks civilians, aid workers, and journalists face when attempting to document the crisis.

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