The Australian Greens have called on the Labor Government to take immediate action to support the Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of over 50 boats carrying essential humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Senator Mehreen Faruqi, the party’s Deputy Leader and spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice, emphasized the urgency of protecting the flotilla, which includes seven Australians on board.
Senator Faruqi urged Foreign Minister Penny Wong to uphold her commitment made at the United Nations to protect humanitarian personnel. “Right now, hundreds of people on the Flotilla are risking their lives to deliver food, water, and medical supplies directly to the people of Gaza, who are being deliberately starved,” she stated. The senator underscored that Minister Wong must ensure the government does everything possible to protect the flotilla and its mission.
In a recent statement, Wong declared the importance of safeguarding aid workers delivering essential supplies. Senator Faruqi challenged the Minister, questioning whether her prior statements indicated genuine commitment or merely empty rhetoric. The situation in Gaza poses significant dangers for aid workers, as the ongoing conflict has led to targeted attacks against health personnel, journalists, and aid workers.
The Greens leader highlighted that this is a critical moment for the Albanese Government to demonstrate its commitment to international humanitarian law. “Minister Wong has touted her commitment to aid personnel on the world stage, and this will be the first test of whether the Australian Government will stand up to Israel and demand free passage of humanitarian aid,” she said.
Senator Faruqi also criticized the government for its handling of the case of Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker whose death was met with an inadequate investigation. “The Labor Government allowed the Israeli Government to whitewash the killing of Zomi Frankcom with a sham investigation. Zomi’s killers continue to walk free, and not a single person or entity has been sanctioned for her killing,” she added, calling for an end to the cycle of impunity.
Concerns were also raised regarding the perceived lack of consular support for Australians involved in the flotilla, which Senator Faruqi deemed unacceptable. She urged the Labor Government to recognize the State of Palestine and the humanitarian crisis Palestinians face under Israeli occupation. “The Albanese Government must sanction Israel and support every effort to break the illegal Israeli blockade that is killing Palestinians every day,” she stated.
Senator Faruqi expressed hope that Minister Wong would take decisive action, emphasizing that both the Genocide Convention and international law demand accountability and protection for the vulnerable. “The flotilla represents the best of humanity—ordinary people stepping forward where governments have failed,” she said.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Greens are calling on the Labor Government to publicly support and protect the humanitarian mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla and ensure that aid reaches those in desperate need.
