National racial justice organisation, Democracy in Colour (DeCo), strongly condemns the abduction of 12 Australian humanitarian workers, including DeCo board member Ethan Floyd, onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) by the Israeli forces from international waters. DeCo is calling on the Australian government to intervene and fulfill its responsibility towards all Australians abducted by Israel, by demanding their safe and immediate release.
Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, 1000km away from the shores of the besieged Gaza, in yet another clear and blatant violation of international law. The GSF was on a humanitarian mission to deliver life saving aid to two million besieged Palestinians in Gaza, who, for the last two and half years, have been subjected to an ongoing genocide by the Israeli state. Israel has killed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, targeting hospitals, medical personnel, journalists and aid workers while blocking the entry of medical aid and food supplies.
“Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians is sustained by the support of Western governments including ours. It is therefore our responsibility as Australians to stand against the ongoing genocide and our government’s complicity in this crime against humanity,” DeCo National Director Noura Mansour said.
“We are extremely proud of ordinary Australians who embody humanitarian values of solidarity, putting their bodies on the line, taking a moral and principled action against injustices and oppression. We stand in support of all of the Australians onboard the flotilla and demand our government do the same.”
Democracy in Colour urges the Australian government to take immediate action and fulfill its fundamental obligation to protect its citizens by demanding the safe release of all Australians currently held by Israel. Furthermore, DeCo calls on the Australian government to uphold its obligations under international law and end its complicity in the ongoing genocide by severing military ties, trade and diplomatic relations with Israel as it continues to further its expansionist project in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran.