Family, lawyers, public outraged over illegal kidnapping of 11 Australian humanitarian volunteers by Israel

19 May 2026 Updated

Over the past twelve hours, 11 Australians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla were illegally intercepted and kidnapped by Israel in international waters west of Cyprus. Their whereabouts and wellbeing are unknown. So far Israel has boarded over 38 boats of the flotilla, kidnapping an estimated 400 people from almost 50 countries, before sinking or destroying many of the boats, which carried a combined hundreds of tonnes of aid.

Footage and photos of the interception, statements from those being held hostage, and a full list of participants and their bios can be found here.

We have confirmed that Neve O'Connor, Sam Woripa Watson, Anny Mokotow, Isla Lamont, Juliet Lamont, Surya McEwen, Zack Schofield, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Gemma O'Toole, Violet Coco and Helen O'Sullivan are among the almost 400 activists kidnapped by Israel over the past 12 hours.

For four of the eleven Australians, this is the second time in two weeks that they have been kidnapped and detained by Israel.  Juliet, Bianca and Surya also underwent imprisonment last October.

VIC: A press conference will be held in Melbourne TODAY

WHAT: Press conference — Families and lawyers speak on illegal abduction of Australian flotilla participants

WHEN: 1pm, Tuesday 19 May 2026

WHERE: State Library Steps, Swanston Street, Naarm/Melbourne

WHO:

• Bernadette Zaydan, Australian human rights lawyer representing some of the Australians aboard the flotilla
• Julie Webb-Pullman, mother of Bianca Webb-Pullman. Julie has also spent time in Gaza as a journalist. (Melbourne)
• Chris O’Connor, father of Neve O’Connor (Melbourne)
• Greg Barns SC, legal expert (TBC)
• Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May (TBC)

NSW: Dawn Vigil at Kirribilli House, Wednesday

WHAT: Dawn candlelight vigil at Kirribili House for Australians aboard Global Sumud Flotilla and people of Palestine

WHEN: 6am, Wednesday 20 May

WHERE: Kirribilli House, 109 Kirribilli Ave, Kirribilli NSW 2061

WHO: 

• Ethan Floyd, who has returned home after being kidnapped and detained by Israel two weeks ago 
• Parents of Australian currently in Israeli detainment (TBC)

Legal response

Greg Barns SC and Bernadette Zaydan, lawyers supporting some of the Australians involved in the flotilla, said: 

“Israel has demonstrated a documented pattern of harm against civilian humanitarian workers.

“It is necessary to highlight that Australia is a party to all core international human rights treaties, and accordingly carries binding obligations under international law. The passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla is lawful under International Humanitarian Law, including Rule 55 concerning access for humanitarian relief to civilians in need.

Available for interview:

Organisational:

• Subhi Awad, Global Sumud Flotilla and Palestinian activist (Northern Rivers)
• Bernadette Zaydan, Australian human rights lawyer (Melbourne)
• Prof. David Heilpern, Jewish-Australian lawyer and lecturer
• Sara Saleh, Global Sumud Flotilla and Palestinian Australian (Sydney)
• Ethan Floyd, returned Global Sumud Flotilla participant (Sydney)
• Greg Barns SC, prominent Australian barrister, author, and human rights advocate who frequently provides high-profile legal counsel and commentary on criminal law, civil liberties, and asylum seeker rights.

Family:

• Julie Webb-Pullman, mother of Bianca Webb-Pullman. Julie has also spent time in Gaza as a journalist. (Melbourne)
• Chris O’Connor, father of Neve O’Connor (Melbourne)
• Joanne Jaworoski and Peter Schofield, parents of Zack Schofield (Newcastle/Sydney)
• Chantel Beadnell, Sam Woripa Watson’s Mother (Brisbane)
• Jacinta McEwen, Surya’s mother (Northern Rivers)

The flotilla organisers and members of the public are calling on Penny Wong and Anthony Albanese to:

1. Demand the safe release of all Australian humanitarian volunteers detained by Israel
2. Publicly condemn Israel’s kidnapping of Australian citizens
3. Stop arming and supporting Israel

Snap rallies are being organised around the country in response to the news, you can find a list of snap rallies here.

For live updates on this rapidly evolving situation, find global media releases hereand see the Instagram accounts of the Global Sumud Flotilla and Australian delegation of the Global Movement to Gaza. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Alexa Stuart: 0423 361 030

Jane Salmon 0417 919 354

Subhi Awad: 0408 760 991.