Six Australians detained by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza are expected to be released on a Greek island. Israel’s foreign minister confirmed the participants will be disembarked on a beach in Crete in the coming hours, following coordination with the Greek government.
Interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla
The incident occurred Wednesday evening off the coast of Crete, where the IDF intercepted some 22 vessels. These ships were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had departed from Italy on Monday.
Around 175 activists were removed from the vessels during the operation. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, stated on X that the IDF successfully blocked attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade on Gaza
and stopped the arrival of the provocative flotilla
.
Sa’ar maintained that all participants were taken off the vessels unharmed. However, a spokesperson for the flotilla alleged that the IDF jammed communications and smashed boat engines after detaining civilians.
Legal Disputes and Humanitarian Claims
The Global Sumud Flotilla has accused the Israeli government of piracy
and kidnapping
. Organizers argue the IDF’s actions were unlawful because the boats were intercepted in international waters, hundreds of kilometres from Israel.
Despite the interceptions, more than 40 ships continue to attempt the journey to Gaza. These vessels hope to deliver volunteers and 500 tonnes of aid to the strip.
Anny Mokotow, an Australian citizen and member of Jews Against the Occupation aboard the Bye-Luby, reported that her boat participated in search and rescue efforts for stranded passengers. She noted that many boats had been broken, with rigging cut and engines destroyed.
Australian Government Response
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that officials are currently in Crete to provide consular assistance to the transferred Australians. DFAT stated they are liaising with authorities in both Greece and Israel to confirm detentions.
A DFAT spokesperson urged Australians not to join efforts to break the naval blockade, citing risks of injury, death, arrest or deportation
. Of the 14 Australians participating in the flotilla, only two remain in communication.
The Detainees and Family Reaction
The six Australians expected to be released in Crete include:
- Zack Schofield, a Newcastle climate activist
- Ethan Floyd, a University of Sydney student and Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa and Wailwan man
- Neve O’Connor
- Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman
- Surya McEwen
- Cameron Tribe
On Thursday, the family of Zack Schofield held a snap rally at Sydney Town Hall to demand safe passage for the vessels. Peter Schofield, Zack’s father, expressed concern after his last conversation with his son at 6am Thursday, during which Zack said the flotilla was surrounded by boats
.
Peter Schofield told media that the venture is far more than symbolic
and that those involved are making a big sacrifice in an effort to achieve change
.
Potential Next Steps
As more than 40 ships continue toward Gaza, they may face similar interceptions by the Israeli navy. The Greek government’s willingness to receive participants suggests that Crete could remain a primary point for the disembarkation of detained activists.
Further diplomatic pressure could be applied to the US, Australia, and Greece, as requested by activists on the remaining vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Australians being released in Crete?
The six Australians expected to be released are Zack Schofield, Ethan Floyd, Neve O’Connor, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Surya McEwen, and Cameron Tribe.
Where were the flotilla vessels intercepted?
Some 22 vessels were intercepted off the coast of Crete on Wednesday evening.
How much aid was the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver?
The ships were attempting to deliver 500 tonnes of aid and volunteers to the Gaza strip.
Do you believe international waters should grant aid flotillas immunity from national naval blockades?
