South Korea urges Israel to investigate assault claims against detained activists

South Korea's foreign ministry pressed Israel to conduct a thorough investigation after two South Korean activists said they were assaulted by Israeli forces when their aid vessels were intercepted near the Gaza Strip. The ministry summoned the deputy Israeli ambassador, expressed strong concerns, and demanded that appropriate measures be taken if the alleged inhumane acts are confirmed.

The activists, Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon, returned to Seoul following their release and reported physical assaults; Kim Ah-hyun claimed she lost hearing in her left ear after being struck. The incidents involved the aid ship Lina Al Nabulsi, which also carried Korean‑American activist Jonathan Victor Lee, and the vessel Kyriakos X. Israeli forces seized both boats, detained the activists briefly, and then deported them without placing them in a detention centre. South Korea said it will continue diplomatic communication with Israel and relevant parties.