‘Over the moon’: Aussie activists released by Israel
Seven Australian activists detained in Israel for attempting to break a blockade and deliver aid to Israel have been released.
Source: AAP
Australian activists in Israeli detention for trying to deliver aid to Gaza have been deported to Jordan.
One of those released from Ketziot prison in southern Israel is Sydney man Abubakir Rafiq.
His sister Hajar shared the news with an emotional crowd at a rally of about 1000 people in Bankstown on Tuesday night.
The event coincided with the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s deadly surprise attack and Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza.
“My body has been running on adrenaline for six days now, just not knowing what’s going to happen,” Hajar said, moments after announcing the news to the demonstrators.
“I’m over the moon. I’m ecstatic. I’m just really relieved.”
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Late on Tuesday (AEDT), Middle Eastern media outlets reported more than 100 detainees, who had been held after sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla, had been released and were in Jordan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade subsequently confirmed seven Australians had been freed.
A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was “pleased they have been released from detention”.
Their release follows Australian representations to Israeli authorities over their welfare and treatment.
Upon learning the news on Tuesday night in western Sydney, hundreds of demonstrators shared their joy and thanks for the release.
Rafiq urged attendees to keep pressuring politicians to end the two-year military campaign that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in the blockaded enclave.
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Rafiq recounted her brother’s ordeal when he was detained by Israeli authorities nearly a week ago.
“My brother had injuries to his shoulders and ribs … and not a word has been heard from the PM and the Foreign Minister – and I think that’s shameful,” she said.
The release of the flotilla activists comes amid a legal showdown between pro-Palestine protesters and police that will decide whether the iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt is appropriate for a bumper rally.
NSW Police has launched a court challenge to Palestine Action Group’s plans for a weekend rally.
The group has held weekly rallies for two years since Israel’s military assault on Gaza began in 2023.
Police say the Opera House forecourt, which is mostly surrounded by water, is ill-equipped to handle the 10,000 attendees organisers expect.
They also believe there is a chance the demonstration could attract a much larger crowd, similar to an August march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge that drew an estimated 100,000-250,000 people.
The NSW Supreme Court has elevated the matter to the state’s appeal court for a hearing on Wednesday.
NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure unless a court denies permission after a police challenge.
NSW Premier Chris Minns is backing police, noting wild scenes outside the waterside venue in October 2023, when an Israeli flag was set alight and some protesters shouted antisemitic chants.
Minns has urged organisers of Sunday’s rally to choose another part of Sydney.
-with AAP
