Demonstrators protest against Israel at Taksim square
in Istanbul on Monday. At least 10 activists were killed in
an Israeli naval takeover on Monday of a Gaza-bound
aid convoy, an Israeli military spokesman said.
Indonesia on Monday joined the chorus of nations condemning Israel for its raid on a humanitarian ship that was carrying volunteers, including 12 Indonesians, and aid bound for Gaza.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said Israel had breached numerous international laws by not only attacking the Mavi Marmara in international waters, but by blocking its attempt to reach the Palestinian enclave, which has been blockaded by Israel for about three years.
“There was no reason for the raid or to block the ship and Gaza area,” the minister said at the State Palace. “We condemn the Israeli attack.”
Indonesia, however, has no diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Mavi Marmara was leading a convoy of cargo and passenger ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla, which was attempting to ferry relief supplies and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists.
Israeli Navy commandos stormed the ship on Monday morning, reportedly killing more than 10 passengers in a predawn raid that brought worldwide condemnation and sparked a diplomatic crisis.
There were conflicting accounts of what happened, with activists claiming the Israelis fired first, and Israel insisting its forces fired in self-defense.
Reaction was swift and harsh, with a massive protest breaking out in Turkey, a longtime ally of Israel, which unofficially supported the mission. Ankara announced it would recall its ambassador and call off military exercises with Israel.
In an official statement, the Indonesian government said Ankara had confirmed there were 12 Indonesian nationals aboard the Mavi Marmara. Marty said he could not yet confirm the fate of the Indonesian passengers, among whom were journalists and volunteers from Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (Mer-C).
Joserizal Jurnalis, from Mer-C, said he had lost all contact with his colleagues aboard the ship.
“I heard from TV3 Malaysia that some of our volunteers might have been killed in the attack,” he told, adding that the last time he had contact with the group’s coordinator was Sunday night. “We are still trying to establish contact through our satellite phone.”
Joserizal said he was only aware of 11 Indonesians on board the ship, including four volunteers from Mer-C, a TVOne journalist and representatives from the Indonesian Committee for Solidarity With Palestine (Kispa), Friends of Al-Aqsa and Hidayatullah.com, an Indonesia-based Muslim Web site.
The Foreign Ministry said it was coordinating with its embassies in the region to determine the fate of those on board.
“What we have to do now is to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Marty said. “And then we can turn to the bigger problem: our condemnation of Israel.
“We’re ready to cooperate with the international community to ensure Israel is held responsible for this.”
Marty said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who on Saturday hosted a brief visit from Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, was being updated about the developing situation.
An official government statement said it considered Israel’s actions illegal and a hindrance to the peace process.
“Through the aforementioned raid and violence, Israel has once again created additional hurdles to the Middle East peace process, which is currently entering a crucial a phase with the launch of the proximity talks,” it said.
