Extract from ABC News
Israeli military intercepts Flotilla ship 'Marinette'.
In short:
The Israeli military intercepted and boarded the Marinette on Friday, believed to be the last ship still sailing to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Crew members held up signs in front of the live camera aboard the ship, saying they spotted "war ships" approaching, shortly before Israeli soldiers boarded the vessel.
What's next?
DFAT said it was sending officials to Ketziot, a prison in the southern Israeli desert, "to provide consular assistance to any Australian who requests it".
The final boat in a global flotilla bound for Gaza, with an Australian man on board, has been intercepted by the Israeli military.
More than 40 boats carrying hundreds of activists had been taking a symbolic amount of aid to the war-torn city when the boats were intercepted by Israeli soldiers in international waters, about 80 nautical miles from Gaza, on Thursday.
One boat with six people on board, the Marinette, evaded the IDF until Friday afternoon, AEST, when a live stream showed Israeli soldiers surrounding and boarding the boat, calling for crew to put their hands in the air.
Crew members held up signs in front of the live camera aboard the ship, saying they spotted "war ships" approaching, shortly before Israeli soldiers boarded the vessel.
Australian man Cameron Tribe had been aboard the boat, and had posted to social media on Friday that his was "the last boat standing", and had sailed alone through the night.
Crew aboard the Marinette, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. (Reuters: Global Sumud Flotilla)
Five Australians detained
Five other Australians in the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained on Thursday, including GP Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman, Sydney content maker Abubakir Rafiq, filmmaker Juliet Lamont, Hamish Peterson and Surya McEwen.
In a statement, a spokesperson for DFAT said it was sending officials to Ketziot, a prison in the southern Israeli desert, "to provide consular assistance to any Australian who requests it".
"They are liaising with Israeli authorities and have formally requested confirmation of the detention of any Australians," the statement said
The prison, in southern Israel, will likely hold the detainees until they agree to sign deportation papers or are forcibly deported.
Exterior of the prison in southern Israel where some flotilla activists are believed to be held. (Reuters: Supplied)
Mr Rafiq's brother, Hudayfa Rafiq, said his family was concerned about Australians being taken to prison and called on the Australian government to act on behalf of its citizens.
"We are worried for the wellbeing of my brother, as well as the other Australians," he said.
"I want the Australian government to do the right thing, make sure they are in touch with Israeli officials, ensure the wellbeing of the detainees and bring them home safe."
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has called on the federal government to do everything in its power to secure the release of Australians on board the aid flotilla to Gaza.
The DFAT spokesperson said it had "warned against attempts to breach the naval blockade and strongly advised Australians not to do so because of the risks to their safety".
"Australia calls on all parties to respect international law, to ensure the safety and humane treatment of those involved," the statement said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in September. (Reuters: Stefanos Rapanis)
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