Call for Action Against Gaza Blockade
On 18th May 2026 at 10am, flotilla legal experts, families, and political figures will gather at the State Library steps in Melbourne to address the media about the ongoing blockade of Gaza. The event aims to highlight the violations of international law and urge the Australian government to take action.
Families and support teams of Australian Global Sumud Flotilla participants will be joined by their legal representative Bernadette Zaydan. They will appeal to the Australian government to condemn Israel’s actions and support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Senator Steph Hodgins-May will also speak at the conference, emphasising the need for the Albanese Government to oppose Israel’s blockade and address the ongoing human rights violations in Gaza. The senator believes that Australia must act decisively to uphold international law.
Background and Key Issues
The flotilla representatives assert that blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza is a breach of international law and is inhumane. They demand that the Australian government pressures Israel to permit the unrestricted delivery of aid, as denying it exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
Among the key issues are the deliberate starvation of Gaza, the illegal blocking of aid, and Australia’s continued export of weapons to Israel despite provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). These actions, they argue, contradict Australia’s commitment to human rights.
The group insists that the Australian government ensures the safety of every Australian flotilla participant who might be taken hostage during Israel’s illegal interception at sea. Ensuring their safety is paramount to protecting human rights.
According to the organizers, the Australian government should end all weapons exports to Israel as required by ICJ rulings, and work towards opposing the blockade of vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:06 pm
