Three Australian activists have announced a hunger strike in Crete after being released by Israeli authorities following the interception of a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Ethan Floyd, Neve O'Connor, and Zack Schofield—three of six Australians released after their ships were intercepted on Wednesday—allege they and their colleagues were subjected to mistreatment while detained for two days aboard an Israeli vessel.
Detention and Allegations
Greek officials reported that 31 of the approximately 175 activists from the flotilla were taken to a hospital on Crete. Schofield stated that the three Australians have since been discharged from Sitia hospital but remain on the island. The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud flotilla, left Italy on Monday and saw 22 vessels intercepted off the coast of Crete on Wednesday evening.
Schofield, speaking with Guardian Australia after his release, described being held on a transport ship that had been retrofitted as a prison, with shipping containers surrounded by barbed wire on the main deck. He alleged that Israeli forces used violence against the protesters, contradicting claims from Israel's foreign minister that they were "taken off unharmed."
Alleged Violence
Schofield claimed that activists were taken into a shipping container and beaten with rifle butts, batons, fists, and feet. He reported witnessing a man shot at point-blank range with a rubber bullet in the leg and back. A friend in the American delegation allegedly was dragged into the container and repeatedly kicked in the testicles and other areas. Schofield also alleged seeing a young Colombian woman repeatedly punched in the ribs by an IDF soldier. Guardian Australia has not independently verified these allegations.
Schofield described his own treatment as "mild violence," including two flash-bang grenades thrown directly at his feet, forcing him to duck to avoid explosion. He was forced into stress positions, kneeling with his head slammed against the ground. Crowded conditions meant about a quarter of detainees slept outside, and were flooded twice when Israeli soldiers pumped seawater over the deck. The Guardian has sought comment from the IDF and the Israeli embassy in Australia.
Hunger Strike
Schofield, Floyd, and O'Connor announced via video that they would refuse food from the Israelis "as they continued their starvation of the Palestinian people" and until Israeli authorities release two flotilla leaders: Thiago Ávila from Brazil and Saif Abu Keshek from Spain. Israel's foreign affairs ministry confirmed Ávila and Abu Keshek were to be transported to Israel for questioning. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar posted on X that the flotilla was a provocation and that Israel would not allow breach of the lawful naval blockade.
Flotilla organizers called the detention of the two men illegal and urged international governments to pressure Israel for their release. Several European governments with nationals among the arrested called on Israel to free the activists, labeling the action a flagrant contravention of international law. Spain demanded the immediate release of Keshek, a Spanish national. Sa'ar defended the operation, stating that all participants were taken off unharmed.
Other Australians Released
Three other Australians—Bianca Webb-Pullman, Surya McEwen, and Cameron Tribe—were also released. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) confirmed consular staff were on Crete to provide assistance. A Dfat spokesperson stated that Australia has been part of the international call on Israel to comply with binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including enabling provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.
Supporters in Australia planned a paddle-out event on Sydney Harbour on Sunday to show solidarity with the flotilla.
