Israeli forces intercepted a second humanitarian aid flotilla, the Lina Al Nabulsi, in waters near the Gaza Strip at 2:50 a.m. on Wednesday (Seoul time), according to the Korean Flotilla for a Free Palestine. The vessel was carrying South Korean activist Kim Ah-hyun and Korean American activist Jonathan Victor Lee, marking the second seizure of a Korea-linked aid ship within days.

Second Seizure in Three Days

The interception follows the Israeli military's capture of the Kyriakos X on Monday, which was carrying South Korean activist Kim Dong-hyeon along with other international activists. The Kyriakos X had departed from Greece on 8 May, while the Lina Al Nabulsi set sail from Italy on 2 May.

Notably, a civic group official said Israeli forces have changed their approach — opting to detain those on board and sink the boats, rather than towing them as they had done previously. Kim Dong-hyeon is expected to arrive at an Israeli port shortly, though officials indicated it may take longer for the two activists aboard the Lina Al Nabulsi.

Activists Defied South Korean Travel Ban

The Korean nationals travelled to the region in defiance of a South Korean government travel ban on the Gaza Strip. Under the Passport Act, South Koreans are prohibited from travelling to or residing in Gaza without government approval, with violators facing up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won (approximately US$6,615).

Kim Ah-hyun had previously had her passport revoked by the Seoul government after she attempted to enter Gaza without authorisation in October. She was detained by Israeli forces at that time and subsequently released.

What the South Korean Government Said

A South Korean foreign ministry official said the government had repeatedly urged Israel through multiple diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of its nationals and secure their release and deportation as quickly as possible in the event of vessel seizures.

'We have repeatedly called on Israel through various channels to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals and secure their release and deportation at the earliest possible time in the event of vessel seizures,' the official said. The ministry confirmed it would continue to provide consular assistance to its nationals.

Broader Context

The back-to-back interceptions are part of a wider pattern of Israel intercepting international aid flotillas attempting to reach Gaza. The seizures have drawn attention to the growing involvement of civil society groups from Asia in the Gaza aid movement, and are likely to intensify diplomatic pressure on Seoul to respond more assertively. The South Korean government now faces a dual challenge: upholding its own travel restrictions while pressing for the consular protection of citizens who broke those rules.