2 Australian activists from Gaza assistance vessel freed from Israeli captivity
(MENAFN) Two Australian citizens detained by Israeli forces aboard a Gaza-bound aid vessel have been released, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced on Wednesday. The ship, Handala, carrying humanitarian supplies such as baby formula, food, and medicine, was intercepted Saturday night near Gaza’s coast. It had 21 unarmed individuals on board, including medics, lawmakers, and volunteers.
Australians Tan Safi and Robert Martin were freed from Givon Prison in central Israel and transferred to the Australian Embassy in Jordan. They are expected to return home following standard procedures, the coalition added.
The Adalah legal center reported on Tuesday night that seven of the remaining 14 detained activists were moved to the airport for imminent deportation, though further updates were delayed due to administrative issues.
According to Adalah, the activists are on the fourth day of a hunger strike in protest of what they described as unlawful detention under harsh and degrading conditions. The center noted that these cases reflect broader systemic abuse faced by many Palestinians in Israeli custody.
The Handala was part of an effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza, where 2.4 million residents face severe food shortages. Israel has intercepted several similar missions in recent months. In June, the ship Madleen was seized, detaining 12 activists including Greta Thunberg. In May, the MV Conscience was reportedly attacked by drones near Malta.
Israel's blockade on Gaza, ongoing for 18 years, has intensified since March 2 with a full closure of all entry points, cutting off humanitarian aid. Gaza's Health Ministry reports at least 147 starvation deaths since October 2023, most of them children.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a relentless military campaign on Gaza, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority women and children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
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