Australian activists who were detained in Israel while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have been released and deported to Jordan. Among those freed is Abubakir Rafiq, whose sister, Hajar Rafiq, shared the news with an emotional crowd of around 1,000 people at a rally in Bankstown on the evening of October 10, 2023. The rally marked the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s surprise attack and Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza.
Hajar Rafiq expressed her relief and joy, saying, “My body has been running on adrenaline for six days now, just not knowing what’s going to happen. I’m over the moon. I’m ecstatic. I’m just really relieved.” Reports from Middle Eastern media later confirmed that over 100 detainees, including seven Australians, had been released and were now in Jordan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the release, with a spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating that the government was “pleased they have been released from detention.” This development follows diplomatic efforts by Australian officials to address the activists’ welfare and treatment while in custody.
As news of their release spread, hundreds gathered in western Sydney to celebrate, thanking God for the safe return of the detainees. Hajar Rafiq urged attendees to continue pressuring politicians to end the ongoing military campaign that has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
Hajar recounted the experience of her brother during his detention, noting, “My brother had injuries to his shoulders and ribs … and not a word has been heard from the PM and the foreign minister and I think that’s shameful.”
The release of the activists coincides with a legal dispute involving pro-Palestine protesters and the New South Wales Police. The police are challenging plans by the Palestine Action Group to hold a large rally at the iconic Sydney Opera House. The group has organized weekly protests since the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza in 2023.
Authorities are concerned that the venue, which is largely surrounded by water, may not adequately accommodate the expected crowd of 10,000 attendees. The police fear that the demonstration could attract a much larger turnout, similar to an August rally that drew between 100,000 and 250,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The matter has been escalated to the NSW Supreme Court, with a hearing set for October 11, 2023. New South Wales operates under a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure unless a court denies permission following a police challenge.
Premier Chris Minns has supported the police’s position, recalling chaotic scenes from a previous protest in October 2023, during which an Israeli flag was set ablaze, and offensive anti-Semitic chants were reportedly heard. He has urged the organizers of the upcoming rally to consider alternative locations in Sydney for their demonstration.
