Seoul: Israel has released two South Korean nationals captured while heading for the Gaza Strip aboard humanitarian aid vessels, the presidential office said Thursday, welcoming their release.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the release was announced by Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung during a press briefing. This came a day after the Lina Al Nabulsi, which carried South Korean activist Kim Ah-hyun and Korean American activist Jonathan Victor Lee, was intercepted by the Israeli military near the Gaza Strip.

Two days prior, Israeli forces had seized another aid boat, the Kyriakos X, carrying South Korean activist Kim Dong-hyeon and other international activists. Kang noted that the Israeli authorities promptly deported the two South Korean nationals without detaining them in a facility.

Despite the deportation, Kang expressed "regret" over Israel's initial actions. "The Lee Jae Myung government expresses strong regret over Israel's detention of our nationals during its seizure (of vessels). However, it highly appreciates Israel's immediate release of our nationals and welcomes this (decision)," Kang stated.

President Lee Jae Myung had earlier accused Israel of violating international regulations, marking a rare public criticism by South Korea of another nation. During a Cabinet meeting, he emphasized that the vessels were outside Israel's territorial waters at the time of seizure, suggesting an overreach by Israel.

Kang reported that following Lee's criticism, the South Korean government provided consular support and engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens. The spokesperson assured that the government would continue to take responsible actions and engage in diplomatic dialogues to ensure the safety of its nationals.

Furthermore, Kang expressed hope that this incident would not harm South Korea-Israel relations, emphasizing the desire for continued advancement in bilateral ties.