Israeli forces have intercepted a group of activists, including Australians, on an aid flotilla sailing to Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) left Türkiye last week, in an attempt to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the Israeli Defense Forces(IDF) had intercepted a “malicious plan”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was confirming the welfare of detained Australians.
Background
In 2009, Israel announced it had instituted a naval blockade of Gaza.
Over the following years, and particularly after a ceasefire fell apart in early 2025, flotillas have repeatedly sought to penetrate this blockade and deliver symbolic aid to Gaza by sea. None have reached Gaza.
Since October 2025, international aid has entered Gaza under a ceasefire deal. However, in April this year, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported food consumption in Gaza is “critically low”.
Mission
Last week, dozens of GSF and FFC boats began a mission from Türkiye.
Each boat carries non-perishable food, medicine, sanitary products, education and construction materials. They are alsocarrying emergency nutrition products to help people recover from malnutrition.
Over the weekend, the flotillas published footage of IDF soldiers boarding their boats and detaining people, including 11 Australians.
The flotillas said 41 boats were intercepted and 10 are still sailing.
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GSF shared videos from their livestreams of the boats being intercepted, including the vessel Australian Neve O’Connor was aboard.
Israel response
Netanyahu praised IDF naval crews for intercepting the boats.
“You are doing an outstanding job and neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we are imposing on Hamas terrorists in Gaza,” he said.
The PM added that he“would love to be out there with you.”
Australia response
- A DFAT spokesperson said staff are “urgently seeking confirmation of the welfare of Australians we believe have been detained.”
- “We understand people want to respond to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but we... urge Australians not to join others seeking to break the Israeli naval blockade as they will be putting themselves and others at risk of injury, death, arrest or deportation,” the spokesperson said.
What’s next?
The flotilla has a livestream from each boat, and is tracking their locations. As of Tuesday 5pm (AEST), thereare 10 vessels en route to Gaza.
If they arrive, the activists plan to distribute aid on the ground.
DFAT said it will continue to provide consular assistance to Australians, where possible.
