SYDNEY, Monday 4 May 2026 — Following the illegal detention of six Australians by the Israeli military, Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the government to act with urgency to uphold international law and ensure the protection of the Global Sumud Flotilla with concrete steps to ensure its safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Six Australians aboard the flotilla were detained by the Israeli military last week after their Gaza-bound vessels were illegally intercepted in international waters. It is alleged members of the flotilla were beaten and subject to mistreatment by the Israeli military, including three Australians who were taken to hospital on Crete and have since launched a hunger strike until two flotilla leaders who remain imprisoned in Israel are released.
Kate Smolski, Program Director at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the brave individuals, including six Australians, risking their safety aboard the peaceful flotilla attempting to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
“Greenpeace is calling on the Australian government to uphold international law and ensure the safe passage of the peaceful Gaza flotilla, and to make clear to the Israeli Government that intercepting and illegally detaining Australian citizens in international waters is wholly unacceptable.
“As an organisation with a long history of using ships for non-violent direct action, Greenpeace actively asserts the right to peaceful protest at sea as a fundamental human right that must be upheld. All governments must also ensure humanitarian assistance is respected and protected at all times and at all costs.
“Greenpeace is proud to support the 70+ vessel-strong flotilla with our campaigning ship the Arctic Sunrise, providing the technical and maritime expertise necessary for the flotilla to safely sail towards Gaza.”
Greenpeace’s campaigning vessel the Arctic Sunrise has been providing logistical support to the Global Sumud Flotilla — an international movement of coordinated, nonviolent action, sailing to end Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, confront the complicity that enables occupation, and stand with the Palestinian people.
Greenpeace has long condemned both the humanitarian and environmental crises caused by Israel’s genocide on Gaza. Greenpeace’s demands can be found here.
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Media contact
Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]
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