Seoul demands Israel probe assault claims by activists on Gaza aid ships

South Korea demanded Monday that Israel conduct a thorough investigation into allegations that two Korean activists were physically assaulted by Israeli forces after being seized aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip.

The diplomatic demand marks a rare public confrontation between Seoul and Jerusalem, testing South Korea's resolve to hold foreign governments accountable for the treatment of its nationals in conflict zones.

Kim Ah-hyun said she suffered hearing loss in her left ear after being struck multiple times in the face during the seizure of the vessel. Kim Dong-hyeon said he was also physically assaulted by Israeli forces during the detention. Both activists were released and returned to South Korea on Friday, the Korea Times reported.

The South Korean foreign ministry summoned the deputy Israeli ambassador on Saturday to convey the government's concerns directly. A formal written statement followed Monday.

"The government expressed strong concerns over Israel's detention of two Korean nationals. We take seriously the testimonies by our nationals that there had been physical assaults by Israeli forces during their seizure of the vessels and detention of our people," a South Korean foreign ministry official said in the statement. "We will respond to this situation with principle and responsibility and continue our diplomatic communication with relevant countries."

The ministry added that if the assaults are confirmed, appropriate measures must be taken. Seoul said it would maintain ongoing diplomatic contact with Israel and other relevant nations as the investigation proceeds.

South Korea said it would continue diplomatic communication with Israel and other relevant nations as it pursues accountability for the activists' assault claims.