Australian consular officials are heading to a notorious Israeli prison where five Australian citizens are reportedly being held after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, was seized by the Israeli navy, leaving families in Australia anxiously awaiting updates.
Hudayfa Rafiq, brother of Sydney content creator Abubakir Rafiq, said their last contact was early Thursday morning. “He said, ‘I’ll call you back, I’m steering the boat’ – we haven’t heard from him since,” he told 9News. Abubakir, aboard the vessel Spectre, is believed to be detained at Ketziot prison, known for its harsh conditions.
Organisers of the Sumud mission insist it was a “peaceful civilian initiative, legal under international law.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry, however, has announced plans to deport hundreds of activists, without confirming the identities of detained Australians.
Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia had made a formal request for updates and consular access. A DFAT spokesperson stated that “Australia calls on Israel to respect international law and ensure humane treatment of all detainees,” adding that officials in Tel Aviv are liaising with Israeli authorities.
Opposition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley said Australians “expect appropriate consular assistance,” while Greens Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi criticised the government’s response as “insufficient and reactive.”
Independent Senator Fatima Payman named six Australians reportedly detained – Juliet Lamont, Hamish Paterson, Surya McEwen, Abubakir Rafiq, Bianca Webb-Pullman and Dan Coward – urging the government to ensure their safety and humane treatment.
The Maritime Union of Australia confirmed that Paterson is a member and demanded immediate consular support, stating, “Their so-called crime is non-violence and compassion; their detention is a violation of fundamental human rights.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising 50 vessels and 500 activists from 44 nations, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, set sail from Barcelona last month carrying food, water, and medical supplies destined for Gaza.
