The Australian government is preparing to meet with 11 Australians who were detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of an international flotilla. The group, which includes academics, doctors, students, activists, and filmmakers, is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday local time after being intercepted off the coast of Cyprus.
Detainees Identified
The detained Australians are Anny Mokotow, Dr Bianca Pullman-Webb, Neve O’Connor, Violet Coco, Gemma O’Toole, Sam Woripa Watson, Zack Schofield, Helen O’Sullivan, Juliet Lamont, Isla Lamont, and Surya McEwan. According to a flotilla spokesperson, the participants are believed to be arriving at Ashdod port on Wednesday, from where they will be transferred to Ketziot prison.
Government Response
In a statement, a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that the government is engaging with Israeli authorities regarding the welfare of the detained Australians. “We are making preparations to visit them at the earliest opportunity. We want to see all detained Australians released as soon as possible. Australian officials continue to make clear to Israel our expectation that any detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms,” the spokesperson said. The location of the meeting was not disclosed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had previously “strongly encouraged” the Australians not to participate in the flotilla, citing “the risks to their safety and that of others.”
