The family of a Newcastle man among at least six Australians onboard boats intercepted by Israeli navy personnel in international waters has issued a tearful plea for his safety and lashed out at the Australian government for not intervening.
Flotilla Mission and Interception
More than 50 boats set sail to Gaza from Italy on Monday as part of the Global Sumud flotilla, aiming to deliver 500 tonnes of aid and volunteers to the Gaza Strip, which remains under naval blockade by Israel. Among those onboard were 14 Australian citizens. On Thursday afternoon, Alexa Stewart, a spokesperson for the flotilla, reported that only two Australians—Jews Against the Occupation member Anny Mokotow and Brisbane resident Sam Watson—remained in communication and were still sailing to Gaza after 22 boats were intercepted in international waters west of the Greek island of Crete.
Detained Australians
Stewart alleged that at least six Australians have been detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including Newcastle climate activist Zack Schofield, University of Sydney student and Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa, and Wailwan man Ethan Floyd, Neve O’Connor, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Surya McEwen, and Cameron Tribe. CCTV footage posted online showed IDF members boarding the vessels carrying these Australians. Afterwards, pre-recorded messages were published on social media announcing they had been “kidnapped … against my will.”
Family’s Emotional Response
Schofield’s partner, Sarah, expressed her fear on Thursday, stating, “I got a text message telling me that he was OK and he loved me. Then 15 minutes later I saw a video of him being abducted. How would you feel if that was your partner? Or your son? … How would you feel?” Schofield’s parents, Joanne and Peter Schofield, said they were attempting to contact Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “He’s on the flotilla because he is kind, smart and caring,” Joanne said between tears. She added, “I’m furious that our government hasn’t called me back yet, hasn’t said anything to how they’re ensuring … the Australians are safe, are being treated well, and will be released safely immediately … I want a response and I want it right now.”
Government Response and Concerns
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said officials were “urgently seeking an update” from Israeli authorities and were “ready to provide consular assistance to any affected Australians.” However, they noted that their “ability to provide support in Israel and Palestine is limited at this time due to the conflict in the Middle East.” They reiterated a warning against joining efforts to break the Israeli naval blockade, stating it puts individuals at risk of injury, death, arrest, or deportation.
The Global Sumud flotilla alleged that activists from 55 countries had been “threatened at gunpoint” while engaged in legally protected activity under international maritime law. They reported radio communications jamming and military drones and vessels sighted before an Israel occupation forces vessel ordered the flotilla to divert aid through Israeli-controlled channels. The previous Sumud flotilla in October 2025 resulted in seven Australians being detained by IDF, including McEwen.
Wong, the Israeli foreign ministry, and the Israeli embassy were approached for comment. The Times of Israel reported that security sources confirmed the Israeli navy began intercepting the flotilla late on Wednesday.
