Israeli embassy denies mistreating Korean activists seized on Gaza aid ships

Two South Korean activists seized aboard separate aid vessels bound for Gaza returned home Friday after Israel deported them, as the Israeli Embassy in Seoul denied allegations of assault and mistreatment made by one of the women.

The incident underscores the dangers facing civilian aid workers attempting to reach Gaza amid the ongoing conflict, and has drawn concern among South Korean-American communities in Orange County and across the United States who have been following the humanitarian crisis closely.

Kim Ah-hyun's aid vessel was seized in waters off the Gaza Strip, while Kim Dong-hyeon's ship was intercepted near Cyprus, according to The Korea Times. Both women were transported to Israel's Port of Ashdod, processed by authorities and released Wednesday before flying home together.

In a statement, the Israeli Embassy in Korea rejected claims of any wrongdoing. "Upon their arrival at the port of Ashdod, the two individuals were processed immediately and deported through an expedited procedure," the embassy said. "This further calls into question the allegations they have made."

Kim Ah-hyun disputed the embassy's account, telling The Korea Times that Israeli forces struck her in the face and that she suffered hearing damage in her left ear.

The South Korean government had revoked Kim Ah-hyun's passport before her latest voyage — a measure that did not prevent her from boarding an aid vessel. She had previously been detained by Israeli forces after attempting to enter Gaza in October 2025.

The conflicting accounts reflect a broader international dispute over military enforcement of the Gaza blockade and the treatment of civilian aid workers who attempt to operate in the conflict zone.

The activists' return to Seoul comes amid intensifying international debate over humanitarian access to Gaza and the safety of civilian aid workers operating near the conflict zone.