According to foreign media reports, Madeline Habib, a rescue worker and captain from Tasmania, was released by Israel after being detained for four days while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as part of an international flotilla.
Habib was released on Sunday morning (Israeli time) and taken to the Jordanian border along with other members of the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition,” an organization that attempts to challenge Israel’s long-standing maritime blockade of Gaza.
The captain’s release came after a ceasefire agreement was reached. Previously, on October 8, the Israeli navy intercepted her vessel, the “Conscience,” in international waters approximately 120 nautical miles west of Gaza, subsequently arresting her.
The ship carried about 100 volunteers, including doctors and nurses, along with medical supplies and food aid valued at over $110,000.
Following the interception, Israeli authorities detained more than 140 activists from nine ships associated with the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition” and the “Thousand Mothers to Gaza” campaign. These detainees were transported to Ketziot Prison, a high-security facility located in Israel’s Negev Desert.
It was reported that Habib initially refused to sign a document acknowledging her responsibility for attempting to breach the Israeli naval blockade. Officials informed her that she would be held “indefinitely” unless she signed the document. It is currently unclear whether she agreed to sign it before her release.
During her detention, Habib told Australian consular representatives that she experienced psychological humiliation but did not suffer physical abuse. She survived on moldy bread and brown tap water while in custody. Her husband, Stuart Baird, described the situation as deeply distressing, stating that it was “terrifying” to see a loved one “kidnapped” at sea.
Australian officials confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has raised concerns with Israeli authorities regarding the treatment of the detained Australian national during this operation.
A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reiterated that Australia has repeatedly warned its citizens against participating in attempts to breach the blockade, citing serious security risks. The spokesperson also reiterated Australia’s call for Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where nearly 68,000 people have been killed and famine persists, all due to the ongoing conflict.
Tasmanian Greens Senator Nick McKim praised Habib’s actions, calling her a “great Tasmanian” and a “true hero,” stating that her courage has inspired many and brought hope to the people of Gaza. He criticized Israel’s interception as an act of piracy and kidnapping and urged Foreign Minister Penny Wong to issue a strong response.
Earlier this month, Israeli forces intercepted more than 40 boats attempting to reach Gaza, arresting approximately 470 people, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Most were released shortly after, but some reported experiencing abuse.
Habib is the eighth Australian citizen to be detained by Israel for participating in aid flotillas to Gaza.
Compiled by Shipping Online.
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