Show Spine or Resign: Activists Tell PM Albanese on Israel's Aussie Hostages
The head of the Australian delegation to the Global Sumud Flotilla has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take stronger action against Israel following the interception and detention of activists, citing reports of violence and abuse at Ashdod port.
Harry Taruva 
Sydney - The leader of the Australian component of the Global Sumud Flotilla has demanded that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese show stronger support for Australian citizens detained by Israeli forces or consider resigning, amid allegations of brutal treatment during the flotilla’s interception.
Simon Jones, head of the Australian delegation, criticised the Australian government’s response as insufficient compared with reactions from European allies and the United Kingdom.
He called for the Israeli ambassador to Canberra to be summoned or expelled.
“Albanese’s silence is extraordinary in the light of reaction by the governments of European allies, the UK and countries around the world,” Jones said.
“The Israeli ambassador to Canberra should be summoned or sent home. Wong's 'conveyed criticism' is not enough.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters earlier this week.
Israeli authorities detained hundreds of participants, including at least 11 Australians, before transferring many to facilities at Ashdod port.
Jones and Palestinian-Australian spokesperson, Subhi Awad, expressed deep concern for the welfare of the detainees.
The named Australians include Neve O'Connor, Sam Woripa Watson, Anny Mokotow, Isla Lamont, Juliet Lamont, Surya McEwen, Zack Schofield, Dr. Bianca Webb-Pullman, Gemma O'Toole, Violet Coco and Helen O'Sullivan.
“We are deeply concerned for all 428 participants, the 11 courageous Australian friends and their families,” Jones said.
“Our reaction to watching healthy, bright, brave, peaceful humanitarians being harmed in real time pales beside our concern for what occurs off camera," he said.
Adalah, The Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, reported after visiting Ashdod port on May 20 that detainees described extreme violence, including tasers used repeatedly, rubber bullets, stress positions, prolonged kneeling and instances of sexual harassment and humiliation.
Lawyers documented dozens with suspected broken ribs and at least three hospitalisations.
Many were reportedly being transferred to Ktzi’ot prison.
“Ktzi’ot prison is where it has been repeatedly reported that Palestinians are routinely tortured and raped to death.
“We demand our Australian government not only step in and show some responsibility for our citizens but also enact their moral and legal obligation to stand up for human rights,” Award said.
The activists rejected Israeli claims about the flotilla’s purpose, pointing to video evidence of aid loading.
“The Flotilla did obtain, load and carry aid. We recorded ourselves doing so. Israel denies concrete fact,” Jones said adding that “the Australian Government must disconnect from Israel. We cannot remain enmeshed with systematic human rights abusers of any stripe.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has previously described some aspects of the treatment as “shocking and unacceptable,” while the Department of Foreign Affaires and Trading officials continue to seek consular access to the Australian detainees.
A vigil was held outside Kirribilli House in Sydney, and Awad was arrested during a separate protest action in Brisbane.
Vigil at Kirribilli House on Wednesday
