| AFIC Condemns Israel’s Detention and Mistreatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists, Calls on Australian Government to Act |
** “The flotilla’s mission was peaceful, humanitarian, and
rooted in the basic human values of compassion and justice,” said AFIC
President Dr Rateb
|
AFIC Condemns Israel’s Detention and Mistreatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists, Calls on Australian Government to Act
07/10/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) strongly condemns the Israeli government’s treatment of humanitarian activists aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, including Australian citizens, who have reportedly been subjected to degrading, humiliating, and inhumane conditions while in Israeli detention.
Multiple reports have now emerged from credible international outlets and first-hand accounts detailing the violent boarding of the flotilla in international waters, physical assaults, verbal abuse, denial of access to legal representation, and detention in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. These actions are unacceptable and constitute breaches of international law, including the rights of civilians, the protection of humanitarian actors, and the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.
“The flotilla’s mission was peaceful, humanitarian, and rooted in the basic human values of compassion and justice,” said AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid. “To respond to this with violence, humiliation, and forced detention is a further stain on Israel’s record. We condemn these actions unequivocally and call on the Australian Government to demand answers and action.”
AFIC reaffirms the right of individuals and civil society organisations to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza who have suffered under siege, starvation, bombardment, and genocide for nearly a year. Attempts to criminalise humanitarian solidarity must be rejected by all those who claim to stand for human rights and international law.
AFIC calls on the Australian Government to:
• Demand the immediate and safe return of all Australian citizens detained by Israeli authorities
• Publicly condemn the mistreatment of Australian citizens in Israeli custody
• Insist on full accountability for any violations of international law or the rights of those detained
• Reassert the right of all people to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, especially in occupied or besieged territories
The Australian Government has a duty to ensure the safety, dignity, and legal rights of its citizens abroad. Silence or weak diplomacy in the face of such abuse undermines our values and sends the wrong message to authoritarian actors around the world.
AFIC stands in full solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla participants and with the people of Gaza whose suffering prompted this mission of conscience and courage. Their determination to break the blockade and deliver hope speaks to the best of humanity.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid President – AFIC |
