Australian consular officials are travelling to an Israeli jail where it is believed five Australian activists are being held after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The activists were among an international flotilla that was intercepted by the Israeli navy, and worried families at home are still waiting to hear from their relatives. Hudayfa Rafiq, whose brother Abubakir is a YouTuber in Sydney, informed journalists that the last thing he received was his brother informing him that he was navigating the boat. The family has been unable to communicate with Abubakir in person since yesterday morning.
Australian Government Fails to Obtain Information
Abubakir Rafiq was on a ship named Spectre and is among five Australian citizens who were members of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, now reported to be detained in Ketziot prison. Organisers claim this was a peaceful civilian mission that is lawful under international human rights law. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reports that it intends to deport the hundreds of activists, but Australia has had difficulty obtaining information from Israeli authorities. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that the government formally requested Israeli authorities for an update on any Australians in detention.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated that the Liberal Party anticipates that everyone who is Australian and detained will receive suitable consular assistance. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that it had warned Australians time and again not to violate Israel’s naval blockade due to the threat to their safety. The department, however, is also requesting Israel to open up Gaza to humanitarian assistance. Australian diplomats in Tel Aviv are negotiating with Israeli officials and have formally requested notification of the detention and early consular access.
Families Say Activists Won’t Be Deterred
Deputy Greens leader Mehreen Faruqi condemned the government’s reaction, stating that all they can do is warn but not protect and provide safety. Abubakir Rafiq’s sister, Hajar, said this incident will not deter her brother or individuals like him. She stated she could assure you 100 per cent if given an opportunity again, he would go because individuals desire change. The Global Sumud Flotilla comprised around 50 vessels and 500 activists from 44 countries, one of them being Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla sailed from Barcelona a month back with the intention of sending food, water and medicine to the Gazans. Israel has made it explicitly clear that it does not wish for this to occur. Independent Senator Fatima Payman identified six Australians she claimed have been detained by Israeli police and called on the government to make sure they are treated well. The Maritime Union of Australia said member Hamish Paterson was on the mission and requested immediate consular support for all the detained Australians.
News At Glance
- Five Australian activists are presumed held in an Israeli jail after the aid flotilla was intercepted
- Families have been unable to make contact with their relatives since early yesterday morning
- Australian consular officials are travelling to prisons to visit detained citizens
- A flotilla of 50 boats and 500 protesters from 44 nations attempted to take aid into Gaza
- The government claims it advised Australians not to violate the Israeli naval blockade
FAQs
- How many Australians were detained by Israel?
Five Australian citizens are thought to be detained following their involvement in the Gaza aid flotilla seized by the Israeli navy.
- Where are the Australian activists detained?
They are thought to be detained in Ketziot, which has been described as an infamous Israeli prison.
- What was the purpose of the flotilla?
The 50 boats were carrying 500 activists from 44 nations attempting to bring food, water and medicine into Gaza.
- Has the Australian government made contact with them?
No, officials and families are still waiting for consular access and confirmation of the detained Australians.
- Will Israel deport the activists?
The Israeli Foreign Ministry indicates that it intends to deport the scores of activists participating in the flotilla.
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