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Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential press secretary, delivers a briefing regarding the South Korea-Poland summit at the Chunchugwan press center within the Blue House on the 13th of last month. / Photo courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The Blue House expressed strong regret on May 21 over the Israeli military's seizure of a Gaza-bound aid vessel and the subsequent arrest of two South Korean activists. However, it welcomed the fact that Israel immediately deported the South Korean nationals without placing them in detention facilities. Although the immediate release of the activists resolved the most urgent crisis, Israel's seizure of the aid flotilla and the accompanying controversy over potential violations of international law are expected to remain diplomatic issues for the time being.

Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential press secretary, explained during a morning briefing at the Chunchugwan press center that the government mobilized consular assistance and diplomatic channels immediately following President Lee Jae-myung's remarks during a cabinet meeting the previous day.

"During yesterday's cabinet meeting, President Lee expressed grave concern over the safety and rights of our detained citizens and re-emphasized the critical importance of international law, including international humanitarian law," Kang stated.

She continued, "In response, the government made utmost efforts to provide necessary consular support and manage diplomatic channels. As a result, the Israeli side uniquely deported the two South Korean nationals immediately, without processing them through any detention facilities."

The Blue House remained cautious about the incident spilling over into broader South Korea-Israel relations. "The Israeli side conveyed its hope that this issue would not impact bilateral ties and that relations would continue to develop further," Kang noted.

She added, "The Lee Jae-myung administration will respond in a principled and responsible manner to protect the safety of our citizens and address international human rights issues, while maintaining close diplomatic communication with relevant nations."

During the cabinet meeting on the previous day, President Lee had strongly criticized the Israeli military's seizure of the Gaza aid flotilla carrying the two South Korean activists, questioning, "Is this a justifiable action?"

At the time, President Lee pointed out, "Have they not detained our citizens on grounds that are invalid under international law?" and indicated the necessity of lodging an official protest. He also instructed officials to review the potential issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following these developments, Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the justification of intercepting the aid vessel in an official statement, but noted that the manner in which National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir handled and treated the aid activists did not align with Israel's values and norms.