Media Release: Australian Government Must Respond to Abduction of Gaza-Bound Aid Workers by Israel

9 June 2025

Free Palestine Melbourne condemns the Israeli military’s unlawful interception and abduction of international volunteers aboard the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The ship was in international waters, en route to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, when it was stormed by Israeli forces and diverted to Israel.

The Madleen was carrying 12 unarmed civilians—aid workers, peace activists, and parliamentarians—on a peaceful, nonviolent mission to break the illegal blockade on Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has for over a decade organised similar efforts, all conducted transparently and in full compliance with international law.

This act of piracy is a direct attack not only on those onboard but on the very principles of humanitarian law and civilian protection. It reinforces a decades-long pattern of Israeli impunity: the targeting of aid convoys, international observers, and human rights defenders is a hallmark of its violent and lawless regime.

Australia must act. Words are no longer enough.

Free Palestine Melbourne renews its urgent call for the Australian government to:

• Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages taken from the Madleen;
• Impose sanctions on Israel, including bans on weapons trade, suspension of defence cooperation, and the severing of diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

For too long, Australia has turned a blind eye to Israel’s crimes—from the destruction of Gaza to the killing of journalists and the enforced starvation of civilians. The abduction of the Madleen’s crew is yet another wake-up call.

Humanitarian missions are not crimes. Aid workers are not threats. The real threat is the unchecked power of a state that believes it can detain, kill, and starve with impunity.

It is time to sanction Israel. End the blockade. Free the volunteers.