Israel has deported all 11 Australian activists who were detained while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud flotilla. The Australians were transferred to Ramon airport in southern Israel and flown to Istanbul, Turkey. Australian consular officials met them before departure and at the airport in Turkey.
The activists, including Neve O’Connor, Sam Woripa Watson, and Dr Bianca Pullman-Webb, were held since their boats were intercepted on Monday. Their families expressed relief but also anger over their treatment. Zack Schofield’s mother said she was “almost unbearable” thinking about what he endured, while Surya McEwen’s mother said they were “overcome with relief” but angry.
The deportations followed a global outcry over the activists’ treatment. A video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed bound activists kneeling with their foreheads to the ground, with Ben-Gvir shouting, “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the images “shocking and unacceptable”.
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions, stating they were “disgraceful” and did not reflect Israel’s values, though he defended the interception as handled with “great sensitivity”. Human rights group Adalah reported “systemic violations of due process and widespread physical and psychological abuse” by Israeli authorities, including allegations of sexual harassment and broken ribs.
