Federal government working to determine Australian flotilla activists detained by Israel

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today its officials in Israel are seeking confirmation about the Australians who have been detained when the Gaza aid flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

"Australian officials in Tel Aviv are liaising with Israeli authorities and have formally requested confirmation of the detention of any Australians and early consular access," a DFAT spokesperson said.

"Australia calls on all parties to respect international law, to ensure the safety and humane treatment of those involved.

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"We understand that people want to help deliver aid to those suffering in Gaza - we also want to see critical aid delivered.

"For some time, we have warned against attempts to breach the naval blockade and strongly advised Australians not to do so because of the risks to their safety.

"We repeat our call on Israel to enable the sustained, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza."

At least six Australians were aboard vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) intercepted by the Israeli military yesterday, according to reports.

They were among 500 international activists, including Swedish climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, who set sail with the goal of delivering food, water and medicine to the people of Gaza.

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Israel has made it clear that it does not want this to happen.

Independent Senator Fatima Payman today named six Australians who she said have been arrested by Israeli authorities.

"I am deeply concerned by reports that Australian citizens - Surya McEwen, Abubakir Rafiq, Hamish Paterson, Juliet Lamont, Bianca Webb-Pullman and Dan Coward - have been arrested by Israeli authorities after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of the Sumud Flotilla," she said in a statement.

Payman urged the Australian government to ensure they were treated humanely by Israel.

"Australia must not remain silent when its citizens are detained for acting on conscience and compassion," she said.

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The Maritime Union of Australia said today Hamish Paterson was a member of the trade union.

National secretary Paddy Crumlin urged the federal government to ensure immediate consular assistance for him and other detained Australians.

"The Sumud Peace Flotilla is a peaceful mission of trade unionists, humanitarians and aid workers delivering vital assistance to Gaza," he said.

"Their 'crime' is non-violence, solidarity, compassion. Their detention is a violation of fundamental human rights and international law."

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