LONDON: The Australian government has expressed “deep concern” for the safety of its citizens aboard a global flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, anticipating that Israeli forces may intercept the vessels on Wednesday.
It has been in contact with six Australians on the Gaza flotilla, expressing concerns to Israel about the risk of their detention or arrest by the Israeli navy.
“Australia calls on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law, and to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla,” said Matt Thistlethwaite, the assistant minister for foreign affairs.
More than 500 volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and activists, are aboard 50 civilian boats heading to the Palestinian coastal territory of Gaza. Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is among the volunteers.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver essential medical supplies and food. Palestinians have been experiencing widespread hunger due to ongoing Israeli attacks that began in late 2023 in Gaza and resulted in the killing of more than 65,000 people.
The Australian government is also concerned about recent drone attacks on the flotilla and the safety of Australians and other passengers onboard, according to Thistlethwaite.
The flotilla has reported several drone attacks since departing from Spain on Sept. 1. This prompted Spain and Italy to dispatch military ships for assistance and possible rescue operations.
On Tuesday, Italy stopped tracking the flotilla with a military vessel. It urged the activists to accept a compromise to drop aid in a Cyprus port to avoid confrontation with Israeli forces.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has also proposed that flotilla activists unload their aid at Ashkelon port for transport into Gaza, saying they will “not allow a breach of a lawful naval blockade.”
Flotilla members rejected these offers and said that their risks “pale” in comparison to the suffering of Palestinians during two years of war. They also said that their decision to launch the flotilla was due to the “inaction” by their governments to stop the ongoing Israeli attacks.
The Australian government has advised its citizens wishing to provide aid to do so through official channels.
“We understand people are distressed and want to respond to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza; we also want to see critical aid being delivered,” said Thistlethwaite.
“We have been clear that Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to ensure the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.”
