The Australian government is urgently seeking information on the safety and status of its citizens detained by Israeli forces after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters last Monday. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told Al Jazeera that it is working to confirm the welfare of Australians believed to be among those detained.

A DFAT spokesperson said Australia expects that the detainees will be treated humanely in accordance with international standards. The statement also reiterated Canberra’s call for Australians not to join attempts to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, warning that such actions could expose them and others to risks of injury, death, arrest, or deportation.

According to reports, eleven Australian nationals were among hundreds of volunteers aboard the flotilla, which Israeli forces allegedly detained unlawfully. The incident follows a 2024 Israeli strike in Gaza that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including Australian national Zomi Frankcom.