Madeleine Habib, the prominent Tasmanian activist and volunteer, is safely on her way home after being released from Israeli detention following the illegal interception of a Gaza aid flotilla. Greens Senator Nick McKim fiercely condemned Israel’s actions as “piracy and kidnapping and extortion,” hailing Habib as a “true hero” whose courage sent a clear message that “genocides should be resisted, not enabled.”
Her return comes as international attention focuses on the breaking news of the release of the remaining 28 hostages held captive in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, the public mood in Australia remains charged following yesterday’s nationwide Friends of Palestine protests, which marked what activists called “two years of relentless killing, mass starvation and forced displacement” and “Australian Government complicity in this atrocity.”
Media release – Nick McKim, Greens Senator for Tasmania, 13 October 2025
Madeleine Habib
Madeleine Habib is safe, out of Israel and on her way home to Tasmania.
“Madeleine is a great Tasmanian and a true hero,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.
“Her courage has given heart to the people of Gaza and inspired so many of us around the world.”
“Her actions sent a clear message to the Australian government that genocides should be resisted, not enabled.”
“Madeleine’s arrest in international waters was was just one of countless crimes committed by Israel over many decades.”
“It was an act of piracy and kidnapping.”
“The attempt by Israel to indefinitely detain Madeleine unless she signed a waiver was nothing less than extortion and should result in the strongest possible diplomatic response from Foreign Minister Penny Wong.”
“Thanks to many in the community who rallied and organised to support Madeleine and everyone else imprisoned by Israel for trying to bring aid to Gaza.”
“While Madeleine is coming home, we must remember the profound suffering still being faced by the people of Gaza and that millions of Palestinians continue to live in fear with their rights trampled by Israel’s apartheid regime.”
Media release – Freedom Flotilla Coalition;Thousand Madleens Flotilla, 9 October 2025
Lawyers confirm Israel is sending kidnapped flotilla volunteers to K’tziot prison
Adalah lawyers in occupied Palestine have confirmed that they have provided legal advice to approximately 100 of the 145 participants in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madleens Flotilla, whose ships were illegally intercepted by Israeli naval forces en route to Gaza early Wednesday morning.
The ships were towed to the port of Ashdod. After being screened at the port of Ashdod, most of the participants, like those in the Global Sumud flotilla, were sent to Ktzi’ot Prison, known for its harsh and abusive prison conditions. Three participants of Israeli nationality were taken for police questioning; they remain in custody and are expected to appear in court later today.
Several European parliamentarians appear to have been expelled late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Adalah is seeking confirmation from the Israeli authorities.
Some flotilla participants reported experiencing physical violence, humiliation and inhumane treatment during and after the interception, including being kicked, slapped, having their hair pulled, or being aggressively grabbed by soldiers. Some were forced into stressful positions, including kneeling for hours with their heads bowed and their hands tied behind their backs, or sitting on their knees for extended periods, sometimes exposed to the sun.
Some participants reported being ridiculed, insulted and forced to repeat degrading statements, including declarations of love for Israel or denigrating remarks about their own country.
The court hearings are scheduled to take place today (Thursday, 9 October), with those with Israeli citizenship expected to appear in court in Ashkelon. Adalah’s lawyers are currently at Ktzi’ot Prison and the courthouse to attend the hearings, visit the participants and request to see the five other Global Sumud flotilla participants still detained in Ktzi’ot.
Context:
At 04:34 Gaza time, the Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza flotilla 120 nautical miles (220 km) from Gaza, boarding the Conscience by helicopter and the sailing boats by boat, seizing more than US$110,000 in medical and food aid.
All 145 volunteers, from 30 countries, were abducted and processed as described above. The seized boats are – Abd Elkarim Eid, Alaa Al-Najar, Anas Al-Sharif, Gaza Sunbird, Leila Khaled, Milad, Soul of My Soul, Um Saad, and the Conscience.
“As an illegal settler state, Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard these vessels. This seizure violates international law and defies binding ICJ orders requiring unhindered humanitarian access,” the FFC and TMTG said.
While the United States and Israel tout a peace treaty, the occupier has issued a warning that Palestinians in Gaza will still not be able to return to Gaza City and the north. A ceasefire is only the minimum.
We must continue to fight to end the illegal siege of Gaza and the occupation of Palestine.
We demand:
- The end of the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
- A definitive end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its brutality throughout Palestine.
- The immediate release of all kidnapped volunteers.
- Immediate delivery of aid directly to the Palestinians, regardless of Israeli control or hindrance.
- Legal action for attacks on our flotilla.
Images courtesy of Philip Bohle.
Philip Bohle is a documentary photographer with special interests in work, social change and activism. His images draw from a parallel career in research and practice mostly concerned with working conditions, disadvantaged workers and occupational health.
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