Israel said on the 9th that it would work for the swift release of a ship carrying a Korean activist that was seized by Israeli forces while approaching the Gaza Strip.
Vice Minister Kim Jin-a of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Barak Shine, chargé d'affaires ad interim of Israel to Korea, at the ministry building that afternoon and requested cooperation to ensure the safety and swift release of our nationals aboard the vessel seized by Israel the previous day.
In response, chargé d'affaires Shine said he would cooperate, through the relevant procedures, to ensure that the Korean national can be released as quickly as possible, and that he would make every effort to ensure the person's safety.
Kim conveyed President Lee Jae-myung's special concern for our nationals' safety, swift release, and return, and again asked for Israel's attention and cooperation. She also contacted Raphael Harpaz, the Israeli ambassador to Korea who is currently abroad, to convey the Korean government's request.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Our embassy in Israel is actively engaging with the relevant Israeli authorities and closely cooperating with friendly nations, while making an all-out response to ensure the safety and swift release of our nationals."
Earlier, the Israeli military seized 11 international relief ships that were approaching the Gaza Strip. It was confirmed that one of them carried a Korean activist, Kim Ah-hyun. They have been transferred to an Israeli port and are expected to be deported in line with precedent.