Maimon Herawati, Coordinator of the Steering Council for the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), has confirmed the distressing reports of violence experienced by Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers held in Israeli detention. This confirmation comes after a disturbing video circulated, shared by Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, depicting the arrests and mistreatment.
The circulating footage vividly shows several individuals being apprehended by Israeli forces. Among them, a woman is seen courageously shouting “Free Palestine,” only for Israeli soldiers to immediately pull her hair and forcibly push her head downwards. Ben-Gvir himself is visible in the video, observing the detained volunteers as he moves through the scene.
Speaking from Turkey, Maimon Herawati authenticated the video, identifying the individuals as volunteers who were captured some time ago during a humanitarian mission to Gaza. Her certainty stems from her personal recognition of one of the individuals featured in the footage.
“The violence depicted in that video, specifically the woman who screamed ‘Free Palestine’ before her hair was pulled and her head was forced down—she is a close friend of mine. She hails from Ireland,” Maimon stated during a virtual GPCI press conference held in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 20.
Despite recognizing her friend, Maimon remains unable to identify all the individuals subjected to such treatment, as many of their faces were obscured in the video.
“As for the other faces, we have not been able to identify them, with the exception of one politician from Italy,” she added.
Addressing the pressing question of the reported violence, Maimon asserted, “Did this violence occur? Yes, it did, because that is precisely how Israel operates. We must understand that they are far more brutal, inflicting torture as criminals against humanity.”
Crucially, among the volunteers arrested, nine are Indonesian citizens. However, Maimon is currently unable to ascertain their specific conditions.
“What about the Indonesian citizens? To this day, I cannot confirm whether our nine friends are among those seen being ill-treated in the video,” she explained, emphasizing the uncertainty.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is actively engaged in various efforts to expedite the release of all the detained volunteers, working tirelessly to bring them to safety.
Summary
Global Peace Convoy Indonesia coordinator Maimon Herawati has confirmed that volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla were subjected to violence while in Israeli detention. A widely circulated video, shared by Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, shows forces mistreating detainees, including a woman who was forcibly pushed down after calling for Palestinian freedom. Herawati authenticated the footage, noting that one of the individuals shown is a personal acquaintance from Ireland.
The incident occurred during a humanitarian mission aimed at reaching Gaza, and the status of nine detained Indonesian citizens remains unconfirmed. While the identities of many in the video are obscured, organizers are working urgently to secure the release and safety of all captured volunteers. The GPCI continues to monitor the situation closely as they advocate for the humane treatment and return of those held in custody.