Footage released by Global Sumud Flotilla appears to show military officials firing projectiles toward protester boats | Newcastle Herald | May 20, 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said officials were "engaging with Israeli authorities on the welfare of detained Australians" and were "making preparations" to visit them the country's Foreign Ministry posted on social media that hundreds of detained activists with the flotilla were being taken Israel to meet with consular representatives.

The statement followed video footage released by the protesters appearing to show Israeli military firing on the cvillian vessels, a claim that the government denies.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Oren Marmorstein posted on social media overnight that "at no point was live ammunition fired", and described the projectiles as "non-lethal means" that were fired at the vessel as a warning. Video supplied.