Australian Activist Madeleine Habib released From Israeli Detention After Gaza-Bound Flotilla Interception
TEL AVIV/SYDNEY – Australian citizen Madeleine Habib has been released from Israeli detention following the interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza earlier this week.habib was among passengers aboard the Conscience, one of nine ships intercepted by Israeli forces in the early hours of Wednesday morning while en route from Italy.
Australian consular officials visited Habib in jail the following day and were informed she could be held “indefinitely” unless she signed a waiver acknowledging she had sought to breach israel’s naval blockade of Gaza - a document she initially refused to sign. It is currently unknown whether Habib ultimately signed the waiver prior to her release. sources indicate at least one previous flotilla member was released without signing the document.
During visits from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials,Habib reported experiencing “degradation but no physical abuse” while in custody. She also stated she had been provided access to legal counsel but was subsisting on “stale bread” and “brown” tap water.Habib was held in a high-security prison in the Negev desert, known for housing Palestinian security prisoners accused by Israel of involvement in militant or terrorist activities.
DFAT confirmed it had raised concerns regarding the treatment and welfare of Australians detained in Israel with officials in both Tel Aviv and Canberra.
“We understand that people want to help deliver aid to those suffering in Gaza – we also want to see critical aid delivered,” a DFAT spokesperson stated. “For some time,we have warned against attempts to breach the naval blockade and strongly advised Australians not to do so because of the risks to their safety. we repeat our call on Israel to enable the sustained, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
The Conscience departed Italy in early October carrying approximately 100 volunteers, including medics and journalists, along with aid supplies. The interception occurred shortly before a ceasefire deal brokered by Donald Trump was announced.
The release comes amid ongoing pro-Palestine demonstrations across Australia, with tens of thousands marching on Sunday.Organizers in Sydney vowed to continue protests until aid organizations are granted access to Gaza and the territory is rebuilt.
Surya McEwen, a passenger on a previously intercepted flotilla, the sumud, who arrived in Australia on Friday after being detained by Israel, stated activists would continue attempts to deliver aid by sea “provided that there is a situation where there’s a brutal and illegal blockade on Gaza.”
The Israeli embassy in Australia and the Israeli government have been contacted for comment regarding Habib’s detention and release.
Context: Israel maintains a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, citing security concerns related to Hamas, the militant group controlling the territory. Humanitarian organizations and international bodies have repeatedly called for an easing of the blockade, arguing it severely restricts the movement of people and goods, contributing to dire living conditions for Gaza’s population. Attempts to break the blockade by aid flotillas have occurred periodically, frequently enough resulting in confrontations with Israeli forces.
