AUSTRALIAN SURVIVORS TAKE FLOTILLA EVIDENCE TO THE HAGUE. ALBANESE STILL REFUSES TO MEET THEM.

The submission, lodged in The Hague, includes survivor testimony, medical examinations and legal affidavits gathered following the interception and detention of unarmed civilian aid volunteers attempting to deliver food, medicine and baby formula to starving children in Gaza.

Australian lawyer Bernadette Zaydanis among the legal team involved in taking the evidence before the Court. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prison Service has been added to the United Nations blacklist for conflict-related sexual violence.

The submission comes as serious questions remain unanswered about the treatment of Australian citizens while in Israeli custody, and as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to refuse to meet with survivors.

The ICC communication alleges war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and other serious violations of international law arising from the interception and detention of flotilla participants during the Spring 2026 missions.

The submission follows public statements by Israeli officials claiming flotilla participants were treated with "great sensitivity" and that nobody was harmed. Survivors are now placing medical evidence, witness testimony and sworn legal affidavits before the Court challenging those claims.

“The Israeli Ambassador looked Australian families in the eye and said our people were treated with ‘great sensitivity’.

Our people were beaten. Our people were tortured. Our people suffered sexual violence. An Australian humanitarian was injected with an unknown substance.

“Who do Australians believe — Israeli officials, or Australian survivors? Who do Australians believe — the perpetrators, or the evidence?

“Gaslighting survivors of sexual violence is disgraceful. Telling Australians they were treated with ‘great sensitivity’ is an insult to every survivor and every Australian watching”.

“The Ambassador should be expelled,” said Subhi Awad.

Mr Awad said “Australians deserved answers”.

“An Australian humanitarian reports being injected with an unknown substance while in Israeli custody. To this day, neither the survivor nor the Australian public has been told what the substance was, why it was administered, or what the potential health consequences may be.

“Australian survivors have travelled halfway around the world seeking justice through international legal processes. Yet the Prime Minister will not even meet with them, said flotilla participant Juliet Lamont.

“If Australian survivors can be heard in The Hague but not in Canberra, something has gone badly wrong.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is calling for independent international investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and justice for survivors.

Interview opportunities with Australian lawyer Bernadette Zaydan from The Hague may be available during European daylight hours.

Juliet Lamont is available in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS:

Australians involved in the mission include:

• Neve O’Connor
• Juliet Lamont
• Zack Schofield 
• Surya McEwen
• Sam Woripa Watson
• Anny Mokotow
• Bianca Pullman Webb
• Ethan Floyd in Australia
• Freedom Flotilla three (Violet Coco, Gemma O’Toole, Helen O’Sullivan)

BIOGRAPHIES: