The partner of a Tasmanian woman detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza has spoken out.
Madeleine Habib, an Australian citizen skippering the vessel Conscience, was leading a humanitarian fleet when military personnel intercepted the ship in international waters this week.
Habib’s partner Stuart said the crew had undergone extensive non-violent training in preparation for a possible confrontation with Israeli forces.
“They knew that …what would possibly happen with the Israeli military force taking the vessel in international waters would not lead to any more pain and suffering,” he told ABC Radio.
“They would probably just be taken along with all the aid they were trying to get through to the people who were suffering all over the world.”
He said the vessel carried medical personnel including doctors and nurses, as well as journalists attempting to reach Gaza.
“Both those groups have been heavily targeted in the conflict to date and both those people are really needed in that part of the world right now,” he said.
Live footage from the vessel showed military helicopters circling before communications were cut around midday Tasmanian time on Wednesday. The crew was seen gathering on deck during the confrontation.
In a pre-recorded video, Habib made a desperate plea to the Australian Government.
“If you’re watching this video, it’s because our vessel, the Conscience, has been illegally intercepted in international waters and I have been taken hostage by the Israeli Occupational Forces,” she said.
Stuart said he was “unbelievably proud” of his partner’s efforts.
“All Tasmanians should feel proud that … a Tasmanian captain is out there doing everything she can to ease the suffering of the people in another part of the world and … help with peace efforts,” he said.
“If we don’t stand up and make ourselves known and call for peace, we’re not helping the situation.”
Tasmanian Greens Senator Nick McKim has called the incident “an act of piracy on the high seas”, joining calls from Independent Franklin MP Peter George to demand Foreign Minister Penny Wong personally intervene.
“Minister Wong must demand Madeleine’s immediate release,” McKim said.
“Labor cannot keep standing by while Israel commits war crimes, kidnaps aid workers and bombs civilians.”
