The Coordinator of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) Steering Council, Maimon Herawati, has confirmed allegations of violence against volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) who are currently detained by Israel. This confirmation comes after a disturbing video, shared by Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, surfaced, depicting the ill-treatment of the captured individuals.
The video footage reportedly shows Israeli forces apprehending several people. Among them, a woman is seen courageously shouting “free Palestine.” Immediately, Israeli soldiers are observed pulling her hair and forcing her head downwards, making her bow. Minister Ben-Gvir himself is visible in the video, walking around and observing the detained volunteers, adding a significant layer to the gravity of the situation.
Speaking virtually from Turkey during a GPCI press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (20/5), Maimon Herawati verified the authenticity of the video. She stated that the individuals in the footage were indeed volunteers captured recently during a humanitarian mission to Gaza. Her certainty stems from personally recognizing one of the victims in the video.
“Regarding the video of violence, it did indeed happen to one of the women who shouted ‘free Palestine,’ whose hair was then pulled and her head pushed down. That person is my friend. She hails from Ireland,” Maimon revealed, underscoring the personal connection and profound distress caused by the incident.
Despite this clear identification, Maimon admitted that she has not yet been able to ascertain the identities of all the individuals subjected to such treatment, as many of their faces remained obscured. “As for the other faces, we have not been able to identify them, with the exception of one politician from Italy,” she added, highlighting the ongoing efforts to determine the full scope of those affected.
Maimon further reiterated her strong condemnation of the actions displayed in the video, asserting, “The question is, did this violence occur? Yes, it did, because that is truly how Israel operates. We must understand that they are far more brutal, subjected to torture by these criminals against humanity.” This powerful statement reflects the deep concern and indignation felt by the GPCI regarding the treatment of humanitarian aid workers.
Among those detained are nine Indonesian nationals. Maimon expressed her inability to confirm their current condition at this time. “What about the Indonesian citizens? Up until now, I cannot confirm whether our nine friends are among those seen being mistreated,” she explained, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the well-being of the Indonesian contingent.
In response to these developments, the Global Sumud Flotilla is actively pursuing various avenues to secure the swift release of all detained volunteers. Efforts are underway to ensure their safety and return, bringing hope to those concerned about the welfare of the humanitarian mission participants.