**Title: Australian Activists Return Home After Gaza Detention**

Three Australian activists detained by Israeli authorities after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have returned home. Abubakir Rariq, Juliet Lamont, and Hamish Paterson arrived in Sydney on Thursday morning, expressing their determination to return to Gaza despite their ordeal. They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by the Israeli navy last week while trying to deliver humanitarian aid.

Upon their arrival, the activists were welcomed by around 100 supporters, many waving Palestinian flags. Rariq described their experience in detention, stating, "We were held hostage, we were abused, we were tortured, we were kicked, punched, spat at, refused access to medication, we were refused seeing a doctor, we were refused seeing a lawyer, women did not receive menstrual pads." He also mentioned that Israeli authorities raided their cells at night with dogs and guns, adding, "And the Australian government knew that this was a possibility for us."

In response to the activists' claims, Israel's Foreign Ministry stated, "The claims of mistreatment of Australians who were on board are complete lies. All their legal rights, including access to medical care, were fully upheld."

Lamont echoed Rariq's sentiments, asserting that they experienced "human rights abuses" during their detention. She expressed her commitment to returning to Gaza, stating, "We are going back and we are going to bring 150 boats this time." Paterson, who described himself as "pretty shagged" after six days in jail, also expressed a desire to return, saying, "Let's just keep going, we’re going to take more ships and … we’re going to do everything to shut this show down."

Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the Australian government for its lack of support during the activists' detention. She stated, "Shamefully, Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Wong remained silent as these courageous humanitarians were on vessels … I hope they can speak up now to hold Israel to account."

A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs worked diligently to support the detained Australians. The spokesperson noted that diplomats visited Ketziot prison multiple times and advocated on behalf of the detainees.

Rariq claimed that their consulate visits were insufficient, stating, "We were waiting for someone to come and take us from Jordan, and just to add some salt into the wound, this is all I have left, this prisoner bag. They said we’ll pay for your ticket back home but you’ve got to pay us back."

The activists' return comes amid ongoing discussions about the situation in Gaza and the role of the Australian government in international humanitarian efforts. The Maritime Union of Australia, which includes Paterson as a member, has called for a renewed focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and justice for the Palestinian people. Union officials have urged the government to reconsider any arms trade with Israel, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.