Australian activists have recently been released from Israeli detention following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The flotilla, an international movement dedicated to non-violent action, recently made headlines following a dramatic and controversial interception by Israeli forces in international waters.

The delegation, including 17 Australians, sought to deliver humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. 

David Heilpern, a former New South Wales magistrate and spokesperson for the Australian delegation, stated the fleet was seized in international waters roughly 500 kilometres from Gaza. 

While the Israeli government described the mission as a PR stunt, Heilpern maintained the primary goal was delivering food and medical supplies to a starving population. 

"This is a fundamental point of not international law but just of humanity… when people are starving, we take food to them,” Heilpern told 4ZZZ reporters. 

Heilpern noted that the secondary function of the 17-boat fleet was to "bear witness" to the situation on the ground.

“Gaza is currently a complete media no-go zone, where Israel refuses to allow independent observers,” he said. 

The release of the activists comes amidst harrowing reports of physical and psychological abuse. 25 year old activist Isla Lamont alleged she was "brutalised" by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), subjected to violence, threats and maltreatment and deprived sleep, medication and drinkable water. 

Further allegations raised by the Australian delegation include the use of rubber bullets and zip ties, along with 14 or 15 cases of alleged sexual assault by Israeli forces. 

Tensions spiked globally after Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, posted a video on social media taunting the bound activists as they knelt on the floor. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the naval interception, he distanced himself from the Ben-Gvir video, stating the treatment was "not in line with Israel's values and norms."

Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, claimed the operation was conducted with "great sensitivity" and that "no-one was hurt".

Heilpern has challenged these denials, proposing a simple solution. 

"Allow the United Nations in to conduct an independent investigation," he said.  

When asked about international law, Heilpern stressed that global institutions have broken down. 

“I think it's important to note that international law as we know… is simply non-existent,” he said. 

Heilpern says international law prohibits anyone from seizing another boat in international waters for no reason. 

“I mean, it's absurd to suggest that Israel was acting in self-defence… no one is alleging they were carrying guns, weapons, and bombs. To seize the flotilla on the high seas is an act of piracy,” Heilpern said. 

The Australian government has condemned the actions of the IDF and of the minister, but Heilpern wants to see stronger action. 

“There are many more steps the government could take in cutting off diplomatic and supportive relations that Australia has shown towards Israel over the decades,” he said. 

Halpern is urging the Australian government to go further, calling for progressive sanctions, the exclusion of diplomatic relations, and an end to the sale of military spare parts to Israel.