Seven Australian activists detained by Israeli authorities after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla — a convoy delivering aid to Gaza — have now been released and deported to Jordan after days of uncertainty and claims of mistreatment.
What happened on the flotilla?
The activists — Surya McEwen, filmmaker Juliet Lamont, content creator Abubakir Rafiq, Hamish Paterson, Bianca Webb-Pullman, Cameron Tribe, and one unidentified Australian — were among hundreds of people aboard 42 boats intercepted in international waters by the Israeli navy on October 2. The flotilla aimed to breach Israel’s blockade and deliver food, baby supplies, and medicine to a famine-stricken Gaza, as described by Lamont: “All we have is, like, baby food and medicine and other aid, and nobody will react violently.”
The Israeli navy boarded and detained the activists, alongside hundreds of other activists from more than 40 countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Greta has since spoken about her experience.
“It is a shame that this mission has to exist!” Thunberg told media at Athens airport after being released.
“It is a shame! I could elaborate extensively on our mistreatment and the abuses we faced during our detention, believe me, but that is not the focus… We cannot take our eyes away from Gaza.”
Claims of mistreatment and government response
The Australians claim they were subject to “degrading and humiliating treatment” while in Israeli custody, reports The Guardian.
The Global Movement to Gaza claim the Australians endured harsh conditions while in custody, with McEwan suffering a dislocated arm and head injuries due to her head striking the concrete surface.
Lamont recounted being denied her daily medication and described detention in Ketziot prison as “dystopian”, saying she was “gravely” concerned about stroke risk.
DFAT said it couldn’t comment on these claims due to privacy obligations, but affirmed, “The Australian government has made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms”.
After their release, Rafiq’s sister Hajar spoke at a rally in Bankstown: “My body has been running on adrenaline for six days now, just not knowing what’s going to happen… I’m over the moon. I’m ecstatic. I’m just really relieved”.
Political, public, and international reaction
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the release, stating: “We are pleased they have been released from detention.”
However, Talitha Mitchell, spokesperson for the Global Movement to Gaza Australia, criticised Australia’s leadership for not publicly condemning the situation. “Minister Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [have] not made any public address. They have not condemned Israel’s crimes… grave human rights abuses and that none of the families were contacted,” she said to 9 News.
There’s another flotilla on the way
Despite this high‑profile interception, momentum isn’t slowing. Organisers report that another flotilla is already on its way. Social media accounts for the Freedom Flotilla confirm that the next convoy is expected to arrive at Gaza next week and is currently in “the interception zone where the occupation has previously illegally kidnapped aid workers from international waters”.
Israel’s government continues to reject claims of genocide and mistreatment, describing the flotilla as a “publicity stunt”. However, protesters argue the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and aid blockades breach international norms, making such flotillas a necessity.
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