Five Australians are being held in an Israeli prison following the interception of a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, with Australian consular officials dispatched to provide support. The Global Movement to Gaza group has raised alarm over their treatment, alleging that detainees have been deprived of medication, food, water, sleep and bathroom access, and forced to kneel for more than five hours while zip-tied. They also claim the Australians were initially denied contact with legal counsel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the five, while seeking confirmation regarding a sixth Australian. Officials from the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv have travelled to Ketziot prison in the Negev desert, where flotilla passengers were transferred. DFAT called on all parties to respect international law and ensure humane treatment, noting that Israel had been clearly told of Australia's expectation that detainees would be treated in line with international norms.
The flotilla, intercepted on Thursday, was carrying around 500 people, including lawmakers, lawyers and activists such as Greta Thunberg. Australian officials faced delays in confirming detentions due to the Yom Kippur holiday. Health Minister Mark Butler said the government had formally requested clear information from Israeli authorities and consular access. He reiterated that Australians had been advised against joining such attempts due to safety risks.
Israel's foreign ministry described the mission as a provocation, stating that all detainees were safe and in good health, and would be deported to Europe. Among the reportedly detained Australians are Surya McEwen, Abubakir Rafiq, Hamish Paterson, Juliet Lamont and Bianca Webb-Pullman, with Cameron Tribe still at sea, according to Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi's office.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition expected consular assistance for those detained, but urged protesters against the Gaza war to instead focus on supporting the ceasefire plan brokered by Donald Trump, calling it the only hope for peace in the region.
