Latest news with #RobertMartin
L'Orient-Le Jour
a day ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Far-right Israeli lawmakers seek to visit Gaza to 'explore settlement possibilities'
Release of two Australian nationals detained on humanitarian ship Handala Tan Safi and Robert Martin, two Australian nationals detained by the Israeli army aboard the humanitarian vessel Handala bound for Gaza, have been released, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Handala, carrying food and medicine along with 21 unarmed civilians, was intercepted by the Israeli military off the coast of Gaza on Saturday night. According to the same source, Safi and Martin were released from Givon Prison in the city of Ramla and have since been transferred to the Australian Embassy in Jordan. Far-right ministers and MPs request visit to Gaza to 'explore settlement possibilities.' Israeli far-right ministers and members of the ruling coalition have asked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for permission to visit the northern Gaza Strip to "explore the possibilities for settlement", according to Haaretz. They argue that the area is fully under Israeli military control, is empty of Palestinians, and poses no significant security restrictions. Signatories include Likud ministers Miki Zohar, May Golan, and Shlomo Karhi, as well as Itamar Ben-Gvir, Amichay Eliyahu, and Yitzhak Wasserlauf from the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, the left-leaning Israeli daily reports. 12:12 Beirut Time Syria denies claims that Sweida is under government siege Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine el-Baba stated that allegations claiming the southern province of Sweida is under siege by the Syrian government are "completely false and misleading," according to the official Syrian news agency SANA. He added: 'The Syrian government has opened humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to our civilian compatriots in the province, in cooperation with local and international humanitarian organizations, and to allow the temporary departure of those wishing to leave areas controlled by outlawed groups.' Israeli drone drops bomb near cemetery in Aita al-Shaab, South Lebanon An Israeli drone dropped a bomb near the cemetery of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, according to our regional correspondent. No casualties were reported. 12:08 Beirut Time UK rejects criticism that recognizing Palestinian state rewards Hamas The United Kingdom has rejected criticism suggesting that its move toward recognizing a Palestinian state amounts to rewarding Hamas. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to Israel, giving it until September to take steps to improve the situation in Gaza and advance peace efforts. This prompted a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed it was tantamount to "rewarding Hamas and punishing the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack." Asked about this criticism, UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, speaking on behalf of the government during a round of media interviews, said: 'This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organization that has committed horrific atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about the children we see starving in Gaza.' 'We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government to lift restrictions and allow the return of humanitarian aid to Gaza,' she told LBC radio. 11:34 Beirut Time France and 14 countries, including Canada and Australia, are calling on the international community to express their willingness to recognize a Palestinian state, according to the French Foreign Minister. " In New York, along with 14 other countries, France is issuing a joint appeal: we express our intention to recognize the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us," wrote Jean-Noel Barrot on X, following the 'New York Appeal' made after a ministerial conference at the UN aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel reportedly considering 'alternatives' to Gideon's Chariots Operation in Gaza Israeli radio has reported that Israeli security organizations are exploring several "alternatives" to the military's 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' in Gaza, which they consider to have failed, particularly regarding the release of hostages still held in the enclave. These alternatives include an 'extreme option' involving territorial annexation, a total blockade of populated areas in Gaza, and a ban on all food aid. However, these plans remain "theoretical," according to a source cited by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, pending progress in negotiations with Hamas. 11:27 Beirut Time South Lebanon: Machine gun fire on Kfar Shuba Israeli machine gun fire has reportedly targeted the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, in the Hasbaya district, as Israeli drones continue to fly over the entire South. 11:25 Beirut Time Naim Qassem to speak at 6:30 p.m. in tribute to Fouad Shukur In the context of these ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, and debates over Hezbollah disarmament, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general Naim Qassem is scheduled to give a speech at 6:30 p.m. today to commemorate the first anniversary of the assassination of Fouad Shukur, a former military official of the group, killed on July 30 last year in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut. 11:24 Beirut Time French-led diplomatic appeal for recognition of Palestine France and 14 other countries — including Canada and Australia — are calling on the international community to express their support for recognizing a Palestinian state, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced. 'In New York, with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our will to recognize the State of Palestine and invite those who haven't done so to join us,' Barrot posted on X. This 'New York Appeal' was made following a ministerial conference at the U.N. focused on advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Australians from Gaza aid boat still in Israeli detention
Two Australians are among 20 or more crew who were taken into custody or deported from Israel - after Israeli forces boarded and confiscated their protest boat, as they tried to make their way to Gaza. Tan Safi and Robert Martin are still in detention in Israel - where lawyers were due to face a tribunal last night, to argue for their release.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Israeli court extends detention of flotilla activists including two Australians
An Israeli court has extended the detention of a group of activists, including two Australians, seized by the nation's military off the coast of Gaza. Human rights activists Robert Martin and Tan Safi were among 21 people on board the Handala when it was stopped by the Israeli navy while en route to Gaza on Sunday. Two of the crew were dual Israeli-US citizens who were interrogated and released. Five agreed to an expedited deportation and were deported. The other 14 people, including the two Australians, remain in Givon prison in Ramle, Israel. On Monday, Israel's Detention Review Tribunal ruled they should remain in custody until the deportation process was finalised. The group on the boat included activists, lawyers, two members of the European parliament and two journalists for the Qatar-based network Al Jazeera, which is banned in Israel. Lawyers for the group say Israel's seizure of the boat and detention of the crew is illegal, arguing the boat had been in international waters at the time it was stopped and the blockade on aid entering Gaza is illegal under international law. "Our main argument on behalf of the volunteers is that, first, the blockade on Gaza is illegal," lawyer Suhad Bishara, from the legal advocacy group Adala, told the ABC. "Israel has a duty under international humanitarian law, laws of the sea and the ICJ [International Court of Justice] decision from January 2024 to allow the flotilla to access Gaza's shores and to deliver the humanitarian assistance goods that they have on board. "We're talking specifically in this flotilla about formula for babies, toys for children, and very basic medication. "Under all of these legal frameworks, Israel has an obligation to allow the flotilla to access Gaza's shores. "Thus, we also argued on their behalf that the interception of the flotilla, of the ship, [on] international waters, and generally any interception, is illegal under international law and violates Israel's obligations in this regard. "This is, of course, in the background of the humanitarian crisis, the starvation, the genocidal war in Gaza." The lawyers said the group should be allowed to reboard their boat and sail to Gaza. "They're all in very good spirits, feeling well," Dr Bishara said. "They are all under hunger strike since the boat was intercepted so they obviously feel a little bit weak. But again, the good spirit is above everything else. "We've met them. They were very appreciative of all the support that they get from inside, from outside, and hopefully they will be back safely home very soon." Israel's government has maintained a full naval blockade of Gaza since militant group Hamas took over the strip, preventing any vessels from approaching Gaza or any Gazans from sailing out. Since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, the Israeli military has also attacked Gazans fishing in the sea. This month it also effectively prohibited swimming and bathing by banning Palestinians from entering the water. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) declined to give any new response to the lawyers' arguments. On Sunday it said its naval blockade of Gaza was legal and the ship was intercepted legally. "The Israeli navy has stopped the vessel Navarn [the boat's registered name] from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza," the MFA said in a statement. "The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts." The Israeli government and military deny accusations they are committing genocide and say they try to minimise civilian casualties. The Handala is the second activist boat from the group the "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" to be intercepted by the Israeli navy in recent months while attempting to reach Gaza. The occupants of the Madleen, which was carrying prominent Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a French member of the European parliament and two journalists, were all deported from Israel in June. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said on Monday it was preparing to send dozens more boats to Gaza to "break the siege" and deliver aid.
SBS Australia
3 days ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Detained Australians on hunger strike after Israeli navy intercepted Gaza-bound aid boat
Two Australians detained by Israeli naval officers are on a hunger strike in solidarity with the people in Gaza, calling for an end to the aid blockade. Australian journalist Tan Safi and activist Robert Martin were with 19 others on board the vessel, dubbed Handala, attempting to break Israel and Egypt's blockade and deliver aid to Gaza. The pro-Palestinian group was intercepted roughly 57 nautical miles from Gaza, according to the organisers Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with a livestream of the boat showing the activists holding up their hands as armed soldiers boarded the vessel, before the feed was cut. SBS News has not been able to independently verify the vessel's location at the interception point. James Godfrey, a spokesperson for Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Free Gaza Australia, said they've made contact with Safi and Martin via lawyers from Adalah, a legal support organisation in Israel. The vessel called Handala departed from Italy one week ago, aiming to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and break the Israeli blockade. Source: Getty / Anadolu "They've been in touch with nearly everybody who was kidnapped on board Handala, including Robert and Tan," Godfrey told SBS News. Detainees were reportedly told to either accept "voluntary deportation" or remain detained and appear before a tribunal, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. "We're anticipating that they will be taken to some kind of Israeli court or tribunal today, our time," he said. "They're currently both on hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza who are being starved by the Israeli government with the support of the Australian government." Israel's government denies it imposes a policy of starvation in Gaza, with its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying: "There is no starvation in Gaza". Following international pressure, Israel resumed airdropping aid to Gaza on Sunday, with the Israeli military announcing it would establish designated corridors to enable the movement of United Nations convoys to deliver aid. Three people on board the Handala, from Italy, France and the United States, have been reportedly deported, and a further two interrogated and released. Godfrey urged Israel to act in accordance with the International Court of Justice's ruling on aid and that it should be, "unhindered in being delivered to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and they need to step up and do the work and deliver aid". "But as long as they keep failing, we'll have to keep sailing," he said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the two Australians were on the boat and were ready to assist, where possible. "Our officials in Tel Aviv are liaising with authorities, and consular officers stand ready to offer assistance to affected Australians," a spokesperson said on Sunday. 'We count on you': Australians call on the government to intervene In a letter, obtained by their lawyers, Safi and Martin have called on the government, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, to intervene on their matter. "We demand you ensure our safe, immediate release from those same forces who have abducted us, and illegally intercepted our non-violent action to bring baby formula to starving Palestinian babies," they wrote. In the letter, Safi and Martin said Australia should stop trade with Israel, stop sending weapons components and "stop protecting Israel from any accountability or consequence". "We count on you to do better — now," they wrote. On Sunday, Albanese said international law stated innocent people should not be held responsible for the actions of the Hamas, which in its entirety is listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and seven other countries, including Australia. "I'm a supporter of Israel and Israel's right to defend itself, but that boy isn't challenging Israel's right to existence, and nor are the many who continue to suffer from the unavailability of food and water," the prime minister said.
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Courier-Mail
Two Aussies were on-board aid ship allegedly intercepted by Israel
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Two Australians were on board an aid boat in a bid to challenge the blockade of Gaza when it was allegedly intercepted by Israeli troops. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said there were 21 people on board the 'Handala' ship, which was stocked with baby formula, diapers, food and medicine, when it was intercepted early on Sunday morning (AEST) about 75km from Gaza. Two Australians, Robert Martin and Tan Safi, were reportedly on board the ship when it was allegedly intercepted by the Israel Defence Forces. Pre-recorded videos of both Mr Martin and Ms Safi were shared to Freedom Flotilla's X pages, alleging they had been intercepted at sea. 'I appeal to my comrades, friends and family, to everyone, to put pressure on your country, Australia, of my country, to demand my release, and the release of everybody on board the 'Handala' as soon as possible. Thank you,' Mr Robert said in the video. An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed two Australians were on-board the boat, The Guardian reported. NewsWire has contacted DFAT for comment. Two Australians, Robert Martin and Tan Safi, were reportedly on board the ship when it was allegedly intercepted by the Israel Defence Forces. Picutre: Freedom Flotilla/X. The Israel Foreign Ministry said a vessel had been stopped from 'illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza' in a post shared to X. 'The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe,' the statement read. 'Unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.' It comes after Anthony Albanese said he believed Israel has 'quite clearly' breached international law through its treatment of innocent civilians in Gaza, but will not follow French President Emmanuel Macron and formally recognise a Palestinian State when he heads to the United Nations General Assembly in September. Anthony Albanese said he was personally heartbroken over the photos coming out of Gaza, with the death toll from starvation and malnourishment increasing. Picture: Omar Al-Qarraa/ AFP A photo taken from the Shait refugee camp in Gaza, picturing a woman, Naima Abu Ful holding her malnourished two-year-old child, Yazan. Picture: AP Photo/ Jehad Alshrafi This follows global condemnation of Israel for restricting aid to civilians trapped in Gaza, with health authorities reporting 123 people have died of starvation and malnutrition. The Israeli military has since said it will begin aid airdrops, and establish humanitarian corridors for United Nations convoys to allow for the delivery of food. Speaking to ABC on Sunday, the Prime Minister said he was heartbroken by the images of starving children coming out of Gaza. While he welcomed the resumption of aid as 'a start,' he reiterated the condemnation of civilian deaths as 'completely unacceptable' and 'completely indefensible'. 'This is a start, but we need to make sure that people who are innocent … including the young boy who people will have seen that image of just breaks your heart, a one-year-old boy is not a Hamas fighter,' he said. When pressed, Mr Albanese also said Israel's actions are 'quite clearly' a breach of international law, given 'international law says that you can't hold innocent people responsible for what is a conflict'. 'I'm a supporter of Israel and Israel's right to defend itself, but that boy isn't challenging Israel's right to existence, and nor are the many who continue to suffer from the unavailability of food and water,' he said. Mr Albanese said Israel had 'quite clearly' breached international law through its treatment of innocent people. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman However, Australia will not follow France, who has become the first large Western power to confirm it will formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly, joining about 75 per cent of member states. Mr Albanese said that, while Australia 'will make a decision at an appropriate time,' there needed to be more detail on how a Palestinian state would function before he was comfortable making that commitment. 'How do you exclude Hamas from any involvement there? How do you ensure that a Palestinian State operates in an appropriate way which does not threaten the existence of Israel?' he said. 'And so we won't do any decision as a gesture. We will do it as a way forward, if the circumstances are met.' Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash criticised Mr Albanese for not putting more blame on Hamas and its continued refusal to release hostages taken on October 7, 2023. However, Mr Albanese has made repeated comments calling on Hamas to release the hostages, and has reiterated his condemnation of the terrorist organisation. Senator Cash added that while the statement said that Australia wants to 'to see the end of the war in Gaza,' the 'next sentence should have been: 'And we call on the terrorists Hamas, who commenced this war and who are ensuring the suffering of the civilians in Gaza to end this war tomorrow''. 'Does Israel have a moral responsibility? Yes. Should Israel be getting more aid in to civilians in Gaza? Absolutely,' she said. 'And I call on the Israeli government to work with the international agencies to get that aid to the civilians but let us not be blind … to the reality.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong was asked on Sunday afternoon whether Australia was obligated to act given Mr Albanese had said Israel was breaching international law. 'The Prime Minister made out position clear this morning, it is forbidden to withhold aid from civilians, that is not consistent with international law,' Ms Wong said. 'But actually, as importantly, it's morally the wrong thing to do, it's ethically the wrong thing to do.' Originally published as Two Aussies were on-board aid ship allegedly intercepted by Israel
