Share this @internewscast.com
A video recorded in advance by Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, has been released after her detention by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while she was aboard the Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israel.
“If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces,” she said in the video.
“Our humanitarian mission was nonviolent and abiding by international law,” she continues.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) communicated that it is “working with Israeli authorities and is prepared to offer consular support to any Australians affected.”
In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson from DFAT emphasized that “Australia urges all parties to adhere to international law to guarantee the safety and humane treatment of those involved.”
“We understand that people want to help deliver aid to those suffering in Gaza – we also want to see critical aid delivered.
“For a considerable period, we have cautioned against efforts to violate the naval blockade and have strongly advised Australians against such actions due to potential safety hazards.”
“We repeat our call on Israel to enable the sustained, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
This attempt marked the largest flotilla yet aiming to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. Activists believed that the substantial number of boats this time would make it more challenging for Israeli officials to intercept them all.
