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View all search resultsBlocked Gaza flotillas
The nine Indonesian activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home from a multinational, civilian-led humanitarian mission that defied Israel's blockade, but their sacrifices mean little without action from world leaders to end Palestinians' plight.
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Foreign Minister Sugiono (center) addresses reporters on May 24, 2026, accompanied by the nine Indonesian members of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, upon their arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. (REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan)
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ine Indonesian activists of the humanitarian Global Sumud Flotilla received a hero's welcome on Sunday afternoon upon their arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, where they were greeted by Foreign Minister Sugiono as well as dozens of family members and supporters after they had returned home safely via Turkey.
Along with hundreds of pro-Palestine activists from other countries, the Israeli government released the Indonesians on Thursday after detaining them for four days. The Israeli military reportedly used harsh measures against the flotilla activists, including psychological and physical abuse, aiming to deter them from ever making such an attempt again.
The activists knew very well before setting sail that Israel would not allow any humanitarian mission to reach the occupied Gaza Strip without its approval, a condition impossible to meet. They also knew that they would likely face inhumane treatment from Israel’s security forces.
They still took the risk anyway. There was simply no other viable way to deliver aid to Palestinians who had been suffering for years under a tight blockade and Israeli occupation.
While many Indonesians were deeply moved by the group’s heroic efforts, a handful of critics have questioned whether the action produced any concrete results. In a democratic society, such debate is normal.
It may be true that the civilian activists achieved very little immediate material relief for Gazans, but they have succeeded in a different way: reminding our nation and the world of the unbearable suffering ongoing in Gaza and the West Bank.
This is far from the first time the world has witnessed such activity. Since the maiden flotilla sailed in August 2008 and succeeded in delivering aid to Gaza, dozens of similar missions have attempted the journey. But these subsequent missions were unable to reach the occupied territory, as Israel had ramped up its naval blockade to ensure they would not reach the Gaza coast.
