Families of Australians detained by Israeli forces following the Gaza flotilla interception have expressed fears of not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. The Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was on a mission to Gaza in international waters just off Cyprus.
Australians’ whereabouts unknown after Gaza flotilla interception
Australian families fear for loved ones who Israeli forces captured after the interception of the fleet en route to Gaza. These families say that they are in the dark regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones and are fearful for them.
About 11 Australians joined the 426 people aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which headed to Gaza to challenge the Israeli blockade of aid to the region. The fleet comprised 54 vessels from 39 countries.
However, Israeli forces had intercepted the fleet just off the coast of Cyprus earlier this week. This marked the Israelis’ third interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla on its mission to Gaza.
The list of detained Australians includes Neve O’Connor, Sam Woripa Watson, Anny Mokotow, Isla Lamont, Juliet Lamont, Surya McEwen, Zack Schofield, Bianca Webb-Pullman, Gemma O’Toole, Violet Coco, and Helen O’Sullivan.
Flotilla organisers claimed that Israeli forces intercepted 41 of their boats in their latest effort to supply aid to Gaza. Israeli authorities claim that the flotilla is backed by terrorists and does not carry any aid for Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry, just before the interception, posted on X that they will not allow any breach of the blockade on Gaza.
Moreover, families of the detained activists said that they do not know where the activists are. They had had no contact with the activists for more than 12 hours.
“She is on an unarmed humanitarian mission to deliver life-saving aid. Her abduction 1200 km from Gaza shows the lengths Israel will go to prevent food and medicine FROM reaching Gaza’s starving people,” said Chris O’Connor, a father to one of the detained activists.
Fears of torture following Israeli detention of flotilla activists
Israeli forces usually transport captured activists to the port of Ashdod, in southern Israel. They process the activists there, and while some are immediately deported, some others are detained before being deported.
In the last interception, activists who were detained accused Israeli authorities of maltreatment and torture. After releasing most of the activists, Israeli authorities still held two men in custody: Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila.
Israeli authorities accused the men of “assisting the enemy during wartime” and “providing services to a terrorist organisation.” Israeli soldiers allegedly beat Thiago Avila to the point of him passing out twice.
However, families of the recently captured Australian activists have called on the Australian prime minister to call for the release of the activists. The Australian government has warned other citizens not to join the flotilla for their safety.
“We will continue to make clear our expectation that any detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms,” said a spokesperson.