Eleven Australian activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have been detained by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) urgently seeking confirmation of their welfare. The Global Sumud Flotilla organisers said 38 ships carrying 319 activists from dozens of nations were intercepted about 250 nautical miles from the Gaza coast.
The Israeli Defence Forces boarded the vessels in broad daylight, with footage showing speedboats approaching. The Israeli foreign ministry alleged no aid was found on the boats, a claim disputed by the flotilla. The detained Australians include academics, doctors, students, and film-makers, named as Anny Mokotow, Dr Bianca Pullman-Webb, Neve O’Connor, Violet Coco, Gemma O’Toole, Sam Woripa Watson, Zack Schofield, Helen O’Sullivan, Juliet Lamont, Isla Lamont and Surya McEwan.
Four parents and loved ones held a press conference in Melbourne, expressing fear for their children's wellbeing and criticising the federal government for not intervening. Ethan Floyd, previously detained in a similar incident two weeks ago, said Israel had illegally abducted Australian citizens in international waters and alleged mistreatment. DFAT stated it would continue to make clear its expectation that detainees receive humane treatment, but urged Australians not to join efforts to break the naval blockade.
The UN has described Israel's blockade of Gaza, in effect since 2007, as a direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law. Cypriot authorities confirmed the interceptions occurred outside its territorial waters, and Turkey condemned the action as piracy. Lawyers representing some of the Australians said Israel had demonstrated a documented pattern of harm against civilian humanitarian workers.
