Three Australian Activists have embarked on a hunger strike in Crete following their release by Israeli authorities after the interception of a flotilla aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. Ethan Floyd, Neve O'Connor, and Zack Schofield, part of a larger group of activists, claim they endured mistreatment while detained on an Israeli vessel for two days.
The incident unfolded when 22 vessels from the Global Sumud flotilla, which had departed from Italy, were intercepted off the coast of Crete on Wednesday evening. Of the approximately 175 activists involved, 31 were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Although the three Australians have since been discharged, they remain on the island awaiting further developments. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Allegations of Mistreatment by Israeli Forces
During a conversation with Guardian Australia after their release, Schofield recounted the conditions on the Israeli transport ship, describing it as retrofitted to serve as a prison. He claimed that the main deck was dominated by shipping containers encircled by barbed wire, creating an oppressive environment for the detainees.
Schofield alleged that they were subjected to violence by Israeli forces, contradicting claims made by Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, who stated that the activists were "taken off unharmed." He described witnessing brutal treatment, including a man shot at point-blank range with a rubber bullet and another friend who was kicked severely by soldiers. "They took people into the fourth shipping container and beat them with the butts of their rifles and batons, and with their fists and their feet," he said.
Conditions on Board and Hunger Strike Announcement
Regarding their own experiences, Schofield described the treatment as "mild violence." He recalled, "I had two flash-bang grenades thrown directly at my feet as I was sitting opposite the entrance to the prison yard, and I had to duck out of the way before they exploded in my face." He also reported being forced into stress positions for long periods and described overcrowded conditions, with some detainees sleeping outside due to lack of space.
In a show of solidarity and protest against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Floyd, O'Connor, and Schofield announced via video that they would refuse food provided by Israeli authorities. They stated they would continue their hunger strike until the release of two detained flotilla leaders, Thiago Ávila from Brazil and Saif Abu Keshek from Spain. The activists emphasized their commitment to highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people.
International Reactions and Calls for Action
The Israeli foreign affairs ministry confirmed that Ávila and Abu Keshek would be brought back to Israel for questioning, branding the flotilla as a provocation linked to Hamas. Sa'ar characterized the operation as necessary to maintain the naval blockade on Gaza, asserting, "This Hamas-led flotilla is another provocation designed to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm."
In response to the detentions, flotilla organizers have called for international pressure on Israel to release the detained leaders, describing their capture as illegal. Several European nations with citizens among those arrested have echoed this demand, with Spain specifically calling for the immediate release of Keshek. Sa'ar defended the Israeli operation, reiterating that all participants were removed from the vessels without harm.
Australian Government Involvement and Ongoing Concerns
Three other Australians-Bianca Webb-Pullman, Surya McEwen, and Cameron Tribe-were also released following the interception. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that consular officials are present on the island to assist the activists. A DFAT spokesperson commented, "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."
As the situation unfolds, the activists' hunger strike highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian efforts in Gaza and raises critical questions about the treatment of individuals attempting to provide assistance. The international community continues to watch closely, advocating for the rights of those detained and pressing for accountability regarding the treatment of activists.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.