South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has urged authorities in Seoul to consider the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
His remarks came during a Cabinet meeting where he strongly criticised Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound aid vessel carrying South Korean activists.
South Korea Raises Legal Concerns Over Gaza Flotilla Incident
President Lee questioned the legal justification for the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
He asked whether the vessel had entered Israeli territorial waters or violated any recognised international boundary.
Moreover, he stressed that international norms must be respected in all maritime operations.
Strong Criticism of Israel’s Actions
Lee Jae-myung sharply condemned the Israeli military’s actions.
“There are minimum international norms, and Israel is violating them all,” Lee said.
He added that repeated actions of this nature should not be ignored by the international community.
Furthermore, he suggested that South Korea should also consider enforcement of ICC warrants against Netanyahu.
Debate Over Legal Basis of Ship Seizure
During the Cabinet discussion, the president questioned whether Israel had legal grounds to seize or target ships carrying civilians and aid workers.
He specifically referred to South Korean citizens participating in humanitarian missions to Gaza.
He argued that clarity was needed on whether such interceptions were legally justified under international law.
Internal Exchange Highlights Legal Disagreement
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac responded by explaining that the conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in significant casualties.
He added that Israel had imposed military control over the region in response.
However, President Lee continued questioning the legal status of Gaza and whether it is recognised as Israeli territory.
Wi Sung-lac confirmed that Gaza is not Israeli territory.
President Calls for Protest and Accountability
President Lee further questioned whether third-country vessels can legally be intercepted in international waters.
“Shouldn’t we protest? Even during combat, can third-country ships be seized? This is a matter of basic common sense, not just law, right?” he said.
He emphasised that international legal standards must apply equally to all parties.
Aid Flotilla Carrying Activists From Multiple Countries
The intercepted flotilla included more than 50 boats carrying humanitarian aid.
Organisers stated that 426 people participated, including activists from 39 countries.
Among them were citizens from South Korea, Turkey, the United States, and several European, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations.
Repeated Attacks on Humanitarian Missions
This incident is not the first involving the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Earlier, similar vessels were reportedly targeted off the coast of Greece during a previous attempt to reach Gaza.
The latest developments have once again intensified international debate over maritime law, humanitarian access, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
