Ōtaki teenager Samuel Leason has been detained by Israeli forces after the yacht he was aboard as part of a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza was intercepted in international waters.
Eighteen-year-old Leason is one of three New Zealanders aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of 40 boats carrying 500 people aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians. The flotilla includes climate activist Greta Thunberg and was reportedly being harassed by drones before several vessels were intercepted early Thursday morning (NZT).
Samuel posted a video shortly before communication was lost, warning: “It looks like we’re going to be illegally intercepted by Israel.” He also expressed concern for fellow Palestinian-New Zealanders Rana Hamida and Youssef Sammour, saying they may face greater danger than himself.
His father, Ōtaki peace advocate Adi Leason, told RNZ’s Midday Report that he had spoken with his son the night before the interception.
“He’s been quite calm and focused,” Leason said. “There was a submarine surfacing and circling the flotilla. Other vessels were also spotted in the distance, part of the naval blockade preventing supplies from landing.”
He said participants were reassured by flotilla leaders that the Israeli navy would not attack the ships. “That was reassuring,” Leason said, but added that communications had since been cut.
He expects the group will be taken to detention centres in Israel before being deported. However, Samuel may remain longer.
“Samuel has indicated he is prepared to take his struggle and his witness to another level and stay in jail as, I guess, a silent witness,” Leason said.
Despite the risks, Leason said he is “immensely proud” of his son.
“We’ve been going to Mass every Sunday for 18 years with Samuel, and he must have been listening. It’s lovely to see a young man with a deep conscience caring so deeply about people he will never meet — and to put himself in harm’s way for them.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed New Zealand’s embassy in Ankara, Turkey, is in contact with Israeli officials and is prepared to offer consular support. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterated New Zealand’s position that citizens should not travel to Gaza.
“We have told the Israeli government that we expect them to be treated with respect to their obligations under international law,” Luxon said.
As of Thursday, all three New Zealanders aboard the flotilla were confirmed detained but safe.