Six Australians detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while attempting to transport aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla are to be released on a Greek island, Israel’s foreign minister has announced.
- Approximately 175 activists were detained after 22 vessels were intercepted off the coast of Crete.
- Six Australians are among those scheduled for release in coordination with the Greek government.
- More than 40 ships continue efforts to deliver 500 tonnes of aid to the Gaza strip.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) are currently in Crete to provide consular assistance to the Australian citizens transferred there.
The interception occurred Wednesday evening. The vessels had departed from Italy on Monday as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. According to a spokesperson for the flotilla, the IDF jammed communications and smashed boat engines after detaining civilians.
Israeli and Flotilla Conflicting Accounts
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, stated on X that the IDF successfully blocked attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade on Gaza. Sa’ar asserted that all participants taken off the vessels were unharmed and would be disembarked on a Greek beach.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has countered these claims, alleging the actions were unlawful and constituted “piracy” and “kidnapping,” as the boats were intercepted in international waters hundreds of kilometres from Israel.
Anny Mokotow, an Australian citizen and member of Jews Against the Occupation aboard the Bye-Luby, reported that her boat had to participate in search and rescue efforts for stranded passengers. Mokotow stated that many boats had been broken, with rigging cut and engines destroyed.
Impact on Australian Participants
Of the 14 Australians participating in the flotilla, only two remain in communication. The six Australians expected to be released in Crete include Zack Schofield, Ethan Floyd, Neve O’Connor, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Surya McEwen, and Cameron Tribe.
Family members of Zack Schofield held a rally at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday, expressing fear for his safety and criticizing the lack of government intervention.
A Dfat spokesperson confirmed they are liaising with authorities in Israel and Greece to confirm the detention of all Australians. The department reiterated its warning to citizens against attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade, citing risks of injury, death, arrest, or deportation.
This event follows a previous Sumud flotilla in October 2025, which resulted in the detention of seven Australians by the IDF.
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