Community groups are requesting a meeting with their local member, Anthony Albanese MP, to plead greater Government support for the Australians involved in the Freedom Flotilla in Gaza.
Petersham grandmother Sylvia Hale and youth worker Michael Coleman are among the four Australians taking part in the Freedom Flotilla which is set to sail to Gaza.
“We are deeply concerned for the safety of all participants in the flotilla but particularly my old friend Sylvia Hale and Michael Coleman who is a member of my parish,” said Father Dave Smith from Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Dulwich Hill.
Sonia von Bornemann of Leichhardt Friends of Hebron said: “We will ask Mr Albanese to raise the issue in caucus and to insist that Australia also reminds Israel’s ambassador in Australia that we too would expect Israel’s behaviour towards the flotilla to be peaceful.”
Aidan Archer from the Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine agreed. “We are very concerned that the Israeli government has not only threatened to seize ships and arrest participants in the flotilla but also to deny people access to consular assistance,” he said.
Nick Deane of Marrickville Peace Group said: “We would expect our government to make it clear that when the flotilla sails, Israel must avoid using any military force in attempting to maintain their naval blockade.”
Sylvia Hale wrote in an email: “I have no wish for the ship on which I am traveling to be intercepted by Israeli authorities.
“I find it extraordinary that a country that professes to abide international law should take it upon itself to propose to intercept and board unarmed, peaceful vessels on the high seas whose sole intention is to breach an illegally imposed blockade on the people of Gaza.
“According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Israel’s blockade of Gaza is clearly contrary to international humanitarian law. Our government should make it clear to the Israeli ambassador that the flotilla should be allowed to proceed peacefully,” Ms Hale wrote.
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