The Indonesian government has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the humanitarian Madleen vessel in international waters, calling it a “blatant violation of international law” and a “cruel blow to those suffering in Gaza.” 

The ship was reportedly carrying humanitarian aid when it was stopped by Israeli forces, sparking international outcry.

“I strongly condemn Israel’s interception of the Madleen vessel in international waters while it was delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. This is yet another blatant violation of international law and a cruel blow to those suffering in Gaza,” Sugiono said as quoted from his X account on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

He criticized Israel’s continued blockade of Gaza, describing it as “a form of collective punishment” that increases the risk of mass starvation.

“Under international law, including ICJ (International Court of Justice) Orders, Israel must ensure unimpeded aid delivery to Gaza and protect humanitarian workers,” he said.

While acknowledging international efforts to establish a maritime aid corridor, Sugiono stressed that it must not replace the urgent need for land-based access.

“Let us be clear… This must not come at the expense of securing land-based humanitarian access, which remains Gaza’s most urgent lifeline,” he said.

He reiterated Indonesia’s position that all humanitarian access routes to Gaza must be opened without delay, and called for stronger international action.

“At the upcoming High-Level Conference on Palestine in New York, I urged the international community − especially the UN Security Council − to act decisively: protect civilians and adopt a resolution that ends the blockade and guarantees sustained humanitarian access,” he cited.

Indonesia continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and the unhindered flow of aid into Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As reported by France24.com, Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz on Sunday ordered the military to stop an aid boat belonging to the international nonprofit organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which carried 12 activists on board including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, from reaching the Gaza Strip.

"I have instructed the military to prevent the Madleen flotilla from reaching Gaza," Katz said in a statement from his office.

"To Greta the antisemite and her companions, Hamas propaganda mouthpieces, I say clearly: Turn back because you will not reach Gaza," Katz added.

Aboard the boat are nationals of Germany, France, Brazil, Turkiye, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands.

One of them, French MEP Rima Hassan, has said that more than 200 European lawmakers signed an open letter to Israel calling for the Madleen to be allowed to reach Gaza and for the "immediate entry of its humanitarian cargo".

Hassan voiced concern over the lack of official response from countries whose citizens are part of the crew.

"No State has responded. The message being sent is that Israel is being allowed to act with impunity, without any guarantee of protection for us," she added.

On Saturday, French Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, said that France was obliged to ensure "consular protection" for its nationals aboard the Madleen.

"The six French citizens on this boat are entitled to consular protection," he told a state TV channel.

Organizers of the Madleen's voyage said on Saturday they had reached Egyptian waters and were nearing Gaza, where the war between Israel and Hamas has entered its 21st month.

The Madleen, a sailing boat operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left Italy on June 1, 2025 with the stated aim of delivering humanitarian aid and breaking the Israeli blockade on the Palestinian territory.

"Israel will not allow anyone to break the naval blockade of Gaza, which is aimed at preventing weapons from reaching Hamas. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or support terror groups – by sea, air or land," Katz said.

In May, another Freedom Flotilla ship, the Conscience, reported coming under drone attack.