Canberra urges humane treatment for Australians held after Gaza flotilla raid

AI Summary

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is seeking updates on the welfare of Australians detained after the Israeli interception of boats in international waters. They emphasized the need for humane treatment of detainees amidst continuing tensions surrounding Gaza.

Canberra urges humane treatment for Australians held after Gaza flotilla raid Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was urgently seeking confirmation about the welfare of Australians believed to have been detained after Israeli forces intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla vessels in international waters on Monday. In a statement to Al Jazeera, the department said Australia expected any detainees to be treated humanely and in accordance with international norms. The department also warned Australians against attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, saying participants risked injury, death, arrest or deportation. Eleven Australians are reportedly among hundreds of volunteers detained after the flotilla interception. The statement also recalled the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was among seven World Central Kitchen staff killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in April 2024.  Protesters stand on Israeli flag during rally against interception of Gaza-bound flotilla in Athens, 18 May 2026 (AFP)