Australians on aid flotilla are safe

Two Australians who were part of a flotilla which clashed with Israeli forces while
attempting to deliver aid to Gaza are safe.
Peter Fray, editor of Fairfax publication The Sydney Morning Herald, has issued a
statement confirming the pair - a Fairfax journalist and photographer - are safe.
More than ten people are believed to have died when Israeli forces stormed the
flotilla, which is trying to breach an Israeli blockade and transport aid to Gaza.
Journalist Paul McGeough and photographer Kate Geraghty were out of communication
for some hours after the clash, sparking concern for their welfare.
At least 10 people were killed in the incident.
"We are pleased to report that Paul McGeough and Kate Geraghty, who are among the
most experienced and well-trained Australian foreign correspondents, are safe, and
being processed in an Israeli detention centre," Mr Fray said.
"We remain hopeful that they will be allowed to do their job, and that they will
have a terrific story to tell when they are released."
Mr Fray said his company had made representations to the Israeli and Australian
governments seeking safe passage for the pair.
Meanwhile, the Australian Greens have criticised Israel's actions as an "ugly episode".
"The deadly raid on the aid convoy to Gaza is shocking and Israel, along with convoy
members, will be judged in the court of world opinion," Greens' leader Bob Brown
said in a statement.
Australia should demand an immediate explanation of the intervention, and should
demand details about the welfare of the two Australian journalists, Senator Brown
said.
He accused Israel of blocking information from the flotilla, and said that would not
be tolerated.