Illegal Israeli Interceptions & Kidnapping of Global Sumud Flotilla are under way

18 May 2026

BREAKING: 11 more Australians at risk of being kidnapped by Israeli forces, in international water mere days from Gaza

Footage and photos of the interception, and statements from those being held hostage can be found here.

The Australian delegation has confirmed that eleven Australians were aboard the vessels when interceptions began.

Anny Mokotow, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Neve O'Connor, Violet Coco, Gemma O'Toole (Melbourne), Sam Woripa Watson (Brisbane), Zack Schofield (Newcastle/Sydney), Helen O'Sullivan (Gold Coast), Juliet Lamont, Isla Lamont, and Surya McEwan (Northern Rivers).

Five of the eleven Australians were illegally intercepted by the Israeli navy two weeks ago while traveling from Italy to Greece. Twenty two flotilla vessels were intercepted and destroyed, and crew members were abducted and held on board an Israeli prison ship for almost two days at sea, reporting violence, abuse and theft of their passports.

For more information or to arrange a live interview before comms are jammed & phones jettisoned, contact:

Alexa Stuart: 0423 361 030

Jane Salmon 0417 919 354

Subhi Awad: 0408 760 991

Ethan Floyd, Global Sumud Flotilla participant who has returned home after being kidnapped and detained by Israel two weeks ago:

“This is now the second time Israel has illegally abducted Australian citizens in international waters, and our government has said nothing. 

“It is not a radical act to attempt to deliver food, water and medicine to a starving population. In fact, it is a desperately reasonable act.

“The Albanese government must condemn the kidnapping of its citizens by a foreign country. And it must follow that condemnation with real sanctions, political and economic, on the rogue state of Israel. 

“For as long as Australia continues to support Israel’s genocide, Australians will keep sailing. And until Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong show they have the guts to stand up for human rights and international law, we’ll keep doing their job for them.”

The flotilla organisers and members of the public are calling on Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Australian Government 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

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

Backgrounders available. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/Bv3hxpqHWWc?si=5dHGJxM0TwxeTW2D