INTERNATIONAL WATERS OFF CYPRUS — Eleven Australians attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Cyprus. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urgently seeking confirmation of the detained Australians' welfare, a spokesperson said.

"We will continue to make clear our expectation that any detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: "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 department remains in contact with local authorities in Israel. Last month, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong arranged for the department to provide a briefing on current travel advice for the region and consular services ahead of the flotilla departures.

The detained Australians include Anny Mokotow, Dr Bianca Pullman-Webb, Neve O'Connor, Violet Coco, Gemma O'Toole, Sam Woripa Watson, Zack Schofield, Helen O'Sullivan, Juliet Lamont, Isla Lamont and Surya McEwan. Four parents and loved ones held a press conference in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, where Suzie O'Toole said, "I am terrified for my daughter's wellbeing."

According to organizers, the Israel Defense Forces encircled 38 ships that were part of a fleet of 54 boats which left Turkey last week for Gaza, carrying 319 activists from dozens of nations. The ships were about 250 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza when they were surrounded. Footage showed the Israeli military approaching in speedboats and boarding the flotilla vessels in broad daylight. Cypriot authorities confirmed the interceptions took place outside their territorial waters without previous notification.

Israel's naval blockade of Gaza has been in effect since 2007, restricting movement in and out of the Gaza Strip. Italy, Indonesia and Spain have pressed the Israeli government to release the detained activists. Turkey condemned the interceptions as an act of piracy.

Israel's Foreign Ministry posted to X that activists from what it called the "provocation flotilla" had been transferred to Israeli vessels and alleged no aid had been found on their boats. "Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called 'humanitarian aid flotilla' with no humanitarian aid," the ministry said. It added: "This time, two violent Turkish groups — Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter designated as a terrorist organization — are part of the provocation." The ministry also said: "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." The ministry said: "More than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza since the start of the ceasefire on Oct. 10, 2025." It concluded: "Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately."

Senator Mehreen Faruqi said: "It is frightening how little the Australian government cares." Faruqi added: "Israel is able to commit acts of piracy and kidnapping in international waters with complete impunity because countries like Australia refuse to stand up for their citizens."

Two weeks ago, six Australians were detained by the IDF when 22 boats were intercepted off the coast of Greece. The Australians were held on an Israeli vessel for two days before being released in Crete.