11 Australians Reportedly Detained by Israel During Gaza Aid Flotilla

DFAT said the government was urgently seeking confirmation the reportedly detained Australians’ welfare.

People sit on the deck of a wooden boat flying international and Palestinian flags at the port in Marmaris, Turkey, on May 14, 2026. Murat Kocabas/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Eleven Australians are believed to be among a group of international activists detained while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The convoy, made up of more than 50 boats from multiple countries, was carrying food, medicine and other supplies in an effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

Part of the convoy was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while sailing off the coast of Greece in late April. At the time, the organiser confirmed that six Australians were detained by the IDF.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson told the Epoch Times the department was “urgently seeking confirmation of the welfare of Australians we believe have been detained." 

DFAT said it would continue to make clear its expectation that any detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms.

“We understand people want to respond to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but we continue to urge Australians not to join others seeking to break the Israeli naval blockade as they will be putting themselves and others at risk of injury, death, arrest or deportation,” the spokesperson said.

DFAT officials are ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen when requested, where it is practical and possible.

The department remains in contact with local authorities in Israel. Australia currently advises against travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories and large parts of the Middle East.

The Epoch Times understood that Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong arranged for DFAT to provide a full briefing last month on the most current travel advice and consular services ahead of any future flotilla departures.

On May 18, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement alleging that two Turkish groups—Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter designated as a terrorist organization by the Israeli government—are part of the “so-called humanitarian aid flotilla.”

“The purpose of this provocation is to serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas’s refusal to disarm, and to obstruct progress on President Trump’s peace plan,” it said.

“As the Board of Peace—which oversees humanitarian activities in Gaza under UNSC Resolution 2803—made clear: this flotilla is only about publicity.

“The Gaza Strip is flooded with aid. Since October 2025 alone, more than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza. Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.”

Government Urges People Use Established Aid Channels

Amid the tension, the DFAT spokesperson encouraged those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through established channels.

“Australia has been part of the international call on Israel to comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale,” the spokesperson said.

Since Oct. 7 2023, the federal government has provided more than $135 million worth of humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon .

Meanwhile, Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell called for an urgent response from the government to protect citizens and those on the flotilla.

“Israel’s abduction of volunteers on the Global Sumud Flotilla is totally illegal,” she said on X. “The Labor government cannot sit on its hands, it must respond and act now to ensure these Australians are safe.”