An Australian climate activist has reportedly been detained after joining a group of ships attempting to transport health workers, food, and medicine to Gaza. Newcastle-based Zack Schofield is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which comprises approximately 3,000 individuals from 100 countries. On Thursday, the flotilla's official social media page shared black-and-white, grainy footage that appeared to show activists on a boat with their hands in the air. It claimed that Israeli forces had intercepted the group near Greece and detained them.
Flotilla Statement on Interception
In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla asserted that the activists had been 'threatened at gunpoint'. The statement read: 'The Flotilla carries ordinary people from 55 countries and nothing but humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. Its participants are engaged in legally protected activity under international maritime law. There is no legal justification for what occurred tonight.' Earlier, multiple flotilla boats reported radio communications jamming. Military drones and vessels were sighted. An Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) vessel ordered the flotilla to divert aid through Israeli-controlled channels.
Australian Government Response
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson told the Daily Mail that it is seeking information from counterparts in Israel. Australian officials are urgently seeking an update on the status of Australians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla from Israeli authorities. They stated: 'While our officials stand ready to provide consular assistance to any affected Australians, our ability to provide support in Israel and Palestine is limited at this time due to the conflict in the Middle East. We continue to 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. We encourage those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through established channels.'
Current travel advice for Australians is 'do not travel' for Israel and Palestine, as well as most of the Middle East. Following the interception of flotillas bound for Gaza last year, the department provided consular assistance to all Australians detained. This included in-person welfare checks, regular engagement with families, and direct representations to Israeli authorities regarding their humane treatment and access to essential services. The department also supported those deported with post-release medical and fit-to-fly checks. After these efforts, and despite many warnings, individuals rejoined the next flotilla, and received the same consular services from the government. The Daily Mail has contacted Israel's embassy in Canberra for comment.
