At least four Australians attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza aboard an international flotilla have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters west of the Greek island of Crete.
The activists were travelling as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a large civilian-led maritime initiative seeking to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli Defence Forces boarded multiple vessels early Thursday morning, with Australian participants among those detained.
Sydney law student Ethan Floyd, 22, was reportedly among the first Australians intercepted after Israeli forces approached his vessel using inflatable tactical boats launched from a warship. Climate activist Zack Schofield from Newcastle, Melbourne doctor Bianca Webb-Pullman and Neve Barwick O’Connor were also confirmed to have been aboard intercepted vessels.
Pre-recorded videos released after the interception showed Australian participants claiming they had been detained against their will. Floyd called for immediate consular support from the Australian government, while others urged international pressure over the conflict in Gaza.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was urgently seeking information from Israeli authorities regarding the welfare of Australians involved. Officials reiterated advice warning Australians not to attempt to breach Israel’s naval blockade, citing risks including detention, injury and deportation.
The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona earlier this month, involved dozens of vessels carrying activists, medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Organisers said more than 70 boats and up to 1,000 participants were expected to join the mission as it travelled across the Mediterranean.
Israeli authorities said the interception was carried out in accordance with international law and described the flotilla as a political provocation linked to Hamas — an allegation organisers deny. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said those detained would be transferred to Greece in coordination with Greek authorities.
The Israeli government said humanitarian assistance to Gaza should instead be delivered through approved aid channels. Officials stated that those intercepted were unharmed and that the operation aimed to prevent vessels from breaching the naval blockade.
Flotilla organisers condemned the interception, describing it as an unprecedented escalation and accusing Israel of boarding civilian vessels hundreds of miles from Gaza in international waters. Participants alleged communications were disrupted and some boats were disabled during the operation.
The blockade of Gaza has been in place since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. Israel argues the restrictions are necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, while critics say the blockade worsens humanitarian conditions for Palestinians living in the enclave.
The latest mission comes amid ongoing international concern over humanitarian access to Gaza, where aid agencies continue to warn of severe shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies.
Source: AP News
