Press Conference Scheduled at Sydney Airport
Australian humanitarian volunteer Ethan Floyd, an activist, has returned to Sydney after being kidnapped and abused by Israeli forces. He arrived today at Sydney International Airport at 5:00 pm, marking a significant moment for his family and supporters.
Ethan Floyd was kidnapped in international waters west of Crete while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. This incident has sparked international outrage over Israel’s actions, which included the use of force against unarmed volunteers. Israeli forces attacked more than 1,000 km from Gaza, using pellets and physical force against the volunteers. Floyd recounted, “I witnessed people being shot with pellets and dragged along the ground.”
A press conference is scheduled for 5:30 pm today at Sydney International Airport, terminal 1. Floyd will speak publicly for the first time since his release, joined by his family and prominent figures such as Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Imam Sheikh Wissam Charkawi, and members of the Australian Greens.
Ethan Floyd, a Wiradjuri, Wailwan, and Ngiyampaa person, is a student organiser studying law at the University of Sydney. He is actively involved in various advocacy groups, including the NSW Young Greens, Democracy in Colour, and other racial justice and climate advocacy organisations.
Floyd’s involvement in the flotilla aimed to highlight the dire situation in Gaza, where civilians are cut off from basic necessities like food, medicine, and water. “I joined the flotilla because civilians in Gaza are being cut off from the basics of life – food, medicine, water – and governments have failed to stop that suffering,” he stated. He emphasised the responsibility of Australians to address government actions contributing to international suffering.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to deny media and humanitarian access to Gaza. Photos and videos of Ethan’s arrival will be uploaded to a Google Drive this evening. Ethan will be available for interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please reach out to media contacts to arrange an interview.
Speakers at the press conference include Ethan Floyd, his mother Marissa Floyd, Imam Sheikh Wissam Charkawi, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Sue Higginson, Jenny Leong, and Shovan Bhattrai. Ethan Floyd articulated his commitment to humanitarian causes, stating, “If harm is being done in our name, ordinary people have to step in and act.”
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 7:19 pm
