Korean activists sail for Gaza, seeking to pressure Israel

The 'Rina Nabulsi' sails on, a beacon of solidarity from South Korea towards Gaza. This year, our participation in the Gaza aid flotilla has grown, with three Korean activists joining the 'Lin Nabulsi' on its journey. This increased presence reflects a deepening commitment to challenging Israel's blockade and advocating for Palestinian rights.

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Last year's first voyage made me feel that the Gaza aid flotilla movement is effective and meaningful in pressuring Israel, and I wanted to do it with more Korean people.

As one activist, Haecho, noted, the movement feels effective in pressuring Israel, a sentiment that fuels the desire for greater Korean involvement. This year's journey is particularly poignant, with the ship named after a Palestinian girl tragically killed by Israeli forces. It underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for international attention and action.

While some in South Korea may view the Palestinian issue as distant or even criticize these voyages, we see a profound connection. South Korea's own history of colonization resonates with the Palestinian struggle. Furthermore, our nation's friendly ties with Israel and the involvement of state-owned companies like Korea Gas Corporation in resource exploitation off the Palestinian coast create a complex, and for us, complicit, relationship that demands a response.

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There is no reason not to do this, which is the only direct action I can take regarding Gaza.

The recent statements by President Lee Jae-myung criticizing Israel's actions have brought a welcome, albeit overdue, focus to the Palestinian cause within South Korea. This increased public awareness is a crucial first step. However, as activists like Seungjun emphasize, words must be followed by action. We call for diplomatic severing of ties with Israel and the cancellation of contracts involving Korean government entities, such as Korea Gas Corporation, that support the occupation.

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Korea also shares a history of colonial rule like Palestine. At the same time, Korea maintains friendly relations with Israel, and a public enterprise like Korea Gas Corporation is complicit in the collective genocide of Palestinians by participating in resource exploitation off the Palestinian coast.

Despite facing potential arrest, harsh treatment, and even passport invalidation by our own government—a measure not taken by other participating nations—our resolve remains unshaken. The fear of reprisal is real, but the 'invisible violence' of Israel's narrative-building, which seeks to legitimize its occupation and blockade, is a far greater concern. We return to South Korea not to flee, but to continue this fight, carrying the responsibility of bringing this story home and demanding accountability.

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Those who want to criticize will find a reason in any situation. Peace activism is about doing what you believe is worthwhile until the end, without expecting results or being bound by rules and laws.