Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Flotilla Carrying Six Confirmed Australians

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was urgently seeking updates from Israeli authorities about the Australians involved.

Boats of a new humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip make a symbolic leave from Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain, on April 12, 2026. Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images

At least six Australians who are part of an international flotilla bound for Gaza have been intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Established in 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla is an international civil society-led maritime initiative aimed at challenging Israel’s land and sea blockade of the Gaza Strip. Its participants include activists and civilians from various countries seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to the region.