LONDON: The Australian government has expressed “deep concern” for the safety of its citizens aboard a global flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, anticipating that Israeli forces may intercept the vessels on Wednesday.
It has been in contact with six Australians on the Gaza flotilla, expressing concerns to Israel about the risk of their detention or arrest by the Israeli navy.
“Australia calls on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law, and to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla,” said Matt Thistlethwaite, the assistant minister for foreign affairs.
More than 500 volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and activists, are aboard 50 civilian boats heading to the Palestinian coastal territory of Gaza. Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is among the volunteers.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver essential medical supplies and food. Palestinians have been experiencing widespread hunger due to ongoing Israeli attacks that began in late 2023 in Gaza and resulted in the killing of more than 65,000 people.
