Activist from South Korea detained by Israeli military en route to Gaza

SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) — Israeli forces have intercepted a humanitarian aid flotilla heading towards Gaza that included a South Korean activist, a civic group advocating for Palestinian liberation said.

The ship Kyriakos X, carrying activist Kim Dong-hyeon, was intercepted by the Israeli army on Monday around 8 p.m. (South Korean time). Kim appears to be held aboard an Israeli warship with other activists from various parts of the world, a group official said.

Kim had set sail for Gaza earlier this month despite the government’s travel ban to the region.

Prior to him, another activist, Kim Ah-hyun, had attempted to head to Gaza despite the government revoking her passport after her previous unauthorized entry attempt last October. At that time, she was detained by Israeli forces before being released.

The civic group noted that the ship she is currently traveling on was near the Kyriakos X and therefore at risk of also being captured.

South Koreans are prohibited from traveling or staying in Gaza without government authorization, with violators facing up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won ($6,685) under the Passport Act.

lsr@yna.co.kr

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