Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Flotilla Carrying Six Confirmed Australians

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.

In its latest mission, more than 50 vessels departed from several European countries in April in an effort to reach Gaza. However, on April 30 (Australian time), at least 20 boats were reportedly intercepted by the IDF while sailing off the coast of Greece.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said contact with those still at sea remained limited, with the remaining boats now gathering in Greek territorial waters.

“At this stage, we do not have confirmed additional details regarding their status, condition, vessel assignments, or any potential injuries, detentions, or transfers following the interceptions,” a spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

The group urged the Australian government to act immediately, calling for a condemnation of Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, immediate diplomatic protection for Australians on board, and urgent engagement with the Greek government to ensure safe passage.

“Our people are at sea. The Australian government must act now,” it said.

Meanwhile, Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, confirmed the interception.

“Another provocative flotilla was stopped before reaching our area,” he wrote on X.

“Our brave IDF soldiers are acting with professionalism and determination dealing with a group of delusional attention-seeking agitators.”

Rising Tensions at Sea

Earlier, several flotilla boats reported radio jamming, with military drones and vessels were seen near the fleet. An Israeli vessel ordered the flotilla to divert aid through Israeli-controlled channels.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, at least six Australian citizens were on board during Israel’s interception: Zach Schofield, Surya McEwen, Neve O’Connor, Bianca Webb-Pullman, Ethan Floyd, and Cameron Tribe.

“We are less than a week into our journey and it seems as though interception is imminent for us. We are seeing multiple boats being boarded and being intercepted,” Floyd said in an Instagram post.

“We are a non-violent civilian humanitarian mission carrying aid to the people of Gaza and that’s what this is all about.”

Schofield, also onboard, said: “We’ve had drones flying over us all night and there are many reports of brigettes, warships and tactical RIBs with tactical units on board shining lights and harassing the fleet.”

Government Response

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

“While our officials stand ready to provide consular assistance to any affected Australians, our ability to provide support in Israel and Palestine is limited at this time due to the conflict in the Middle East,” a DFAT spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

Since March 2026, the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv has remained closed due to escalating conflict and heightened security risks in the Middle East.

The DFAT has also warned Australians not to attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade, saying they risk injury, death, arrest, or deportation.

“We encourage those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through established channels,” it added.

Australia currently has a “do not travel” advisory in place for Israel, the Palestinian territories, and much of the Middle East.