Seoul: Two South Korean activists returned home Friday after being released by Israeli forces that had captured them aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. Kim Ah-hyun was aboard an aid vessel seized by Israeli forces in waters off the Gaza Strip, while Kim Dong-hyeon's ship was intercepted near Cyprus -- both earlier this week. They were released Wednesday and flew home together, arriving at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at 6:24 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Ah-hyun expressed her determination to continue her efforts despite the risks involved. Speaking to reporters at the airport, she highlighted the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, citing deaths from bombings and starvation as her motivation for attempting the voyage again. Kim Ah-hyun had previously attempted to enter the territory via an aid flotilla in October without authorization and was detained by Israeli forces during her first attempt.
Before her latest attempt, the South Korean government had revoked Kim Ah-hyun's passport. She reported being assaulted by Israeli forces and mentioned hearing difficulties in her left ear following her capture. Kim Dong-hyeon, the other activist, also alleged mistreatment, claiming that they experienced "unendurable violence" at the hands of Israeli forces.
The incident has drawn international attention, particularly after images surfaced showing captured activists kneeling with their hands bound. On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung criticized Israel's actions, accusing the country of violating international rules by seizing the ships outside of Israel's territorial waters.