Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

As Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, abducts civilians in international waters, and tortures international activists, the Global Sumud Flotilla demands governments choose between accountability and complicity.

MARMARIS, TÜRKIYE, 8 May 2026 – This is a decisive moment in the history of international solidarity. Governments can no longer evade the question before them: What will you do? Whose interests do you truly serve?

We ask: what will the New Zealand government do?

We know what complicity looks like. We have watched it continue for decades, but more recently, it has been carried out openly and in plain sight. Arms transfer after arms transfer, political and diplomatic cover, and political posturing have created the conditions that have not only allowed Israel's crimes to continue, but have facilitated the continued abduction and torture of Palestinians for decades; and more recently the abduction of international activists from international waters over 1,000 km from Gaza.

Palestinians have long warned the world what unchecked impunity leads to: escalating violence, deepening brutality, and even greater violations carried out without consequence. That reality has never been confined by imposed borders. From Palestine to Lebanon, and now off the shores of Crete, this system of impunity is exposing itself to the world in real time.

Condemnations Are Not Enough

As videos and photos of Palestinians being forcibly starved, sniped in the head, raped and abused flooded digital media platforms in 4K, we heard the condemnations. We read the carefully crafted statements. Yet often, the condemnations intended to posture as progress lacked any substance and action.

Not one of these strongly worded letters or speeches has produced a single consequence for a regime that has extended its violence into international waters, more than 1,000 kilometres from Gaza.

When governments abandon their obligations, their citizens are forced to confront the consequences. That is why the Global Sumud Flotilla had to sail and mobilise. When governments fail to act, people of conscience are called to place their bodies between a genocide and impunity. That is not heroism to be celebrated. It is the consequence of political inaction, moral failure and institutional collapse – failures for which governments must be held accountable.

What the Israeli Regime Has Done: From Palestine to International Waters

The Israeli regime has demonstrated, in full view of the international community, that it will reach far beyond its borders to silence those who confront it. It abducted civilians in European international waters off the coast of Greece. Israeli agents have tortured, sexually violated, and abused participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla while holding them as hostages aboard an Israeli navy vessel. They have threatened the children and families of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila as they kidnapped them and forced them into the dungeon prisons in Occupied Palestine. They are now using “secret” evidence to extend their imprisonment without charge.

As of today, Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian citizen, remain detained without charge. Both are on hunger strike. Saif is no longer drinking water, and his condition may deteriorate quickly. Their protection is the responsibility of the international community.

Our Plan

The Global Sumud Flotilla will convene its General Assembly and Legal Symposium in Marmaris on 10 and 11 May. We will engage governments and world leaders directly to establish, concretely and on the record, what actions they are prepared to take to secure the release of detained participants and protect the continuation of the mission.

We are pursuing legal actions against those responsible for, complicit in, and accomplices in, the kidnapping, torture, and sexual violence inflicted on our participants. We are documenting the full architecture of complicity: the political decisions, arms transfers, diplomatic cover and institutional failures that made these crimes possible. That record will follow those responsible wherever they go.

On 12 May, we will hold a press conference in Marmaris where we will present the commitments made by governments. We will outline our legal and accountability strategy. And we will announce the next phase of the mission.

What We Require

We are calling on every government with citizens on board, and every government that claims to uphold international law and human rights, to deliver the following:

• Formal accountability measures for the abduction, torture, and sexual violence inflicted on civilian participants in international waters.
• Formal recognition that civilian maritime missions in international waters are lawful and protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• A clear and public declaration of what concrete actions your government will take if your citizens are attacked or abducted again.
• A clear and public declaration of what concrete actions your government will take if the Israeli regime continues the illegal detention of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila.

The Horizon Is Not Negotiable

We remain unwavering in our commitment to Palestinian freedom and liberation. We remain undeterred. The interception of this mission has clarified the stakes, exposed the machinery of impunity, and revealed who is willing to act.

The world is watching. No government will be able to say it did not know.

History will record where every government stood.

Source: Aotearoa Delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has officially departed Crete, with more than 30 vessels now cutting a path across Greek territorial waters toward Marmaris, Türkiye, for a technical stop. This departure is not merely a logistical shift, but a profound statement of persistence. Despite the illegal abduction of our comrades, the psychological warfare of the occupation, and the looming presence of military surveillance and aggression, the fleet remains intact and the goal remains the same: to stand alongside the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and fundamental rights.

Four New Zealanders continue to sail with the flotilla. Participants Samuel Leason and Hāhona Ormsby continue on in their original vessels. Participants Julien Blondel and Mousa Taher, who were illegally abducted in international waters off the coast of Greece, are set to rejoin the flotilla. The four participants will continue on toward Gaza to attempt to break israel's illegal siege.

A Solidarity of the Sea: Honoring the Arctic Sunrise

As we press forward, the GSF honors the indelible mark left by Greenpeace and the crew of the Arctic Sunrise, who depart the mission today to answer the call of their next global campaign. Their engineers and mechanics were integral to this fleet, refusing to let the beauty of solidarity be stalled by exhaustion or external interference.

• Engineering Resistance: The Greenpeace crew executed over 50 technical operations, ensuring that engine failures and electrical gaps never became obstacles to our mission.
• The Architects of Readiness: From the docks of Sicily to the open sea, they prepared 25 ships and fortified the communication infrastructure that allows our voice to reach the world.
• Courage Under Fire: In the harrowing aftermath of the illegal boarding of 22 vessels by the IOF, the Arctic Sunrise and Open Arms acted as our primary emergency responders, stabilizing the fleet and restoring the power, water, and spirit required to continue.

“We moved from ship to ship, fixing everything from engines to electronics, ensuring no one was left behind .It has been an honour to ensure every one of these vessels is ready for their approach to Gaza.” — Robin Ristjouw, Chief Engineer, Arctic Sunrise.

The Current Carries Us Forward

While the Arctic Sunrise turns toward new horizons, the steadfastness they helped build remains with us. We sail on with Open Arms, carrying the weight of nearly 80 years of Palestinian struggle and the immediate, urgent need to end israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people.

The GSF and Greenpeace stand united in an unwavering demand for:

• The immediate freedom of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, whose detention is a hollow attempt to intimidate a movement that cannot be broken.
• The release of the nearly 10,000 Palestinian hostages and political prisoners who are being illegally held, some for decades without access to a real justice system.
• A real, permanent ceasefire and definitive end to the illegal siege of Gaza and the absolute protection of civilian maritime missions.
• Accountability for the violence committed against our participants as well as for the countless war crimes and crimes against humanity israel has committed against the Palestinian people.

Representatives from over 50 countries will gather in Marmaris for a legal symposium and general assembly on May 10th and 11th, where our resolve will be utilized to finalize strategic plans for this current mission. The occupation may steal our boats, belongings, and loved ones, but it cannot steal the horizon.

Every wave we break is a testament to the world's refusal to look away. The siege is crumbling; the movement for Palestine continues.

Source: PSA

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Source: Porirua City Council

Source: Catherine Delahunty, for Human Rights Monitor. Region: Asia Pacific, West Papua.

6 May 2026 – On 5 May 2026, police officers opened fire at protesters and injured at least seven civilians with bullets (see photos and victim table below, source: independent HRDs), most of them senior high school students conducting a parade to celebrate their school graduation in Kobakma, Mamberamo Tengah Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. The situation allegedly escalated after police officers attempted to stop the group over the display of the Morning Star flag. Spray-painting school uniforms with a Morning Star Symbol is a common practice across West Papua on graduation day. In other parts of West Papua such as Yahukimo, Lanny Jaya and Nabire, the student parades took place without being interfered by authorities (see photos below, source: independent HRD)

According to local sources, students had gathered to celebrate the announcement of their graduation results and marched through Kobakma town. When the procession reached the market area near Arege Road and the police station, police officers reportedly blocked the parade around 11:00 am. A verbal confrontation escalated into a scuffle. Residents who witnessed the incident reportedly objected to the police intervention, after which the situation became increasingly chaotic. Protesters began throwing stones at the police officers, who allegedly responded by firing shots and deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Reports also indicate that at least one police officer sustained serious injuries during the unrest. Security personnel reportedly remained deployed at several strategic locations in Kobakma following the incident. The Deputy Regent of Mamberamo Tengah Regency was expected to meet police officials on 6 May 2026 at the Kobakma Police Station to discuss de-escalation and prevent further violence.

The Morning Star is a symbol of cultural identity for indigenous Papuans. Article 2 of the Papuan Special Autonomy Law (UU Otsus) acknowledges the use of a regional emblem as a symbol of cultural identity if the symbol is not used to compromise the sovereignty of Indonesia. However Indonesian authorities continue criminalising the use of the Morning Star on clothing and accessories. The Papuan independence movement promotes the Morning Star Flag as their National Flag.

Human rights analysis

The incident raises serious concerns regarding the necessity, legality and proportionality of the use of force by law enforcement officials. Even if authorities considered the display of the Morning Star flags unlawful under Indonesian law, the use of firearms against students and civilians requires strict scrutiny. Under international human rights standards, firearms may only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life.

The incident also raises concerns regarding Indonesia’s obligations under the United Nations Human Rights Committee interpretation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The reported use of live ammunition against students and civilians during a public procession may constitute an interference with the rights to life, peaceful assembly and freedom of expression protected under Articles 6, 19 and 21 ICCPR. Even where authorities consider symbols such as the Morning Star flag to be politically sensitive or unlawful under domestic legislation, restrictions on expression and assembly must remain lawful, necessary and proportionate. Under Article 6 ICCPR, law enforcement officials have a heightened duty to protect life and must minimise harm during public order operations. The deployment of firearms in response to a student procession appears difficult to reconcile with the principle that lethal or potentially lethal force may only be used as a measure of last resort where strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.

Furthermore, the reported shooting of minors and young civilians may amount to arbitrary deprivation of life or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment if excessive force was used. Indonesia is therefore under an obligation to conduct a prompt, effective, independent and impartial investigation capable of identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability and reparations for the victims.

Table of persons injured by bullets in Kobakma Town on 5 May 2026

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Nita Sibak	female	20	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
2.	1	Yali Elabi	male	18	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
3.	1	Sago Pugumis	male	17	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
4.	1	Enius Wanimbo	male	22	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
5.	1	Wajus Pagawak	male	24	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
6.	1	Abi Yikawa	male	24	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment
7.	1	Nius Wandikbo		19	Indigenous Peoples, Student	ill-treatment

Period of incident: 05/05/2026 – 05/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Related Cases:
KNPB again faces police obstruction in the Mamberamo Tengah Regency.
Students raise Morning Star Flag inside the university campus in Jayapura – Police react with warning shots, teargas, and mass arrests
Papuan student in Mataram was tortured for raising the Morning Star flag at the university campus
Military members accused of fatally torturing Papuan youth in Intan Jaya for wearing a t-shirt with Morning Star
Police seize Morning Star flags from Papuan students in Makassar

 

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A google translate.

Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/lapago/2026/tujuh-pelajar-sma-di-mamberamo-tengah-dilaporkan-tertembak/

May 7, 2026 in Lapago

Author: Larius Kogoya – Editor: Arjuna Pademme

 

Jayapura, Jubi – As many as seven learners of Kobakma State Senior Secondary or High School 1, Central Mamberamo District, Mountainous Papua were reportedly shot dead, Tuesday (5/6/2026).

Chairman of the Legal and Human Rights Department of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) Fr. Jimmy Koirewoa said, based on information gathered by his party the learners were allegedly shot when Mamberamo Tengah Police Station personnel fired warning shots, while side by side with learners who were conducting a graduation march.

According to him, at that time the students who were holding a march were stopped by the police, because some of the students were carrying the flag of Bintang Kejora. The police stance sparked a backlash from the learners, so both sides were sidelined.

In the course of that handling, the police apparatus allegedly carried out repressive actions that resulted in a number of learners sustaining gunshot wounds, especially in the leg area.

“The victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Lukas Enembe Hospital, Central Mamberamo,” said Fr Jimmy Koirewoa via a written message received in Jubi, Papua, Thursday (7/5/2026).

The victims were identified as Sago Pugumis (17), Wajus Pagawak (24), Enius Wanimbo (22), Nita Sibak (20), Abi Yikwa (24), Nius Wandikbo (19), and Yali Elabi (18).

“This incident shows there is excessive use of force in handling learner action which is civil in nature. The security apparatus is unprofessional and overly repressive to the point of releasing firing,” he urged.

According to him, there needs to be an independent, transparent, and accountable investigation in this case, to ensure justice for the victims as well as prevent the repetition of similar events in the future.

Meanwhile, Resor Police Chief or Central Mamberamo Police Chief, AKBP Muh. Mukabsi said, when the graduation announcement took place peacefully and orderly. Of the 67 students of Kobakma State High School 1, all passed 100 percent.

Following the announcement, the students conducted a convoy around Kobakma City, which later developed into a disturbance of public safety and order.

“The incident began when the convoy stopped in front of the Central Mamberamo Police Station and it appeared that there was a certain symbol waving in the crowd,” said AKBP Muh Mukabsi.

According to him, the Police personnel who were implementing security immediately made a persuasive approach. Asking learner to lower Kejora Star flag he carried. The police also appealed that they keep the situation conducive.

However, said Mamberamo Central Police Chief, the persuasive efforts were not beautified, so the situation escalated into an anarchist action.

Learners pelted police personnel with stones and sticks. Police then took decisive and measured action, in the form of a mass dispersal using tear gas as well as warning shots into the air.

“The mob then retreated, however some returned to continued action.Attacked personnel staying at Kobakma Police Post, as well as vandalism and looting of a number of stalls in Kobakma Central Market,” he said.

He said that Mamberamo Tengah Police together with the TNI immediately conducted security at vulnerable points as well as vital objects to prevent further escalation. Security apparatus also conducted patrols and reinforced security in the surrounding area.

“The situation evolved conducively after the police apparatus exercised coordination with the local government, community leaders, and religious leaders,” he uttered.

He said, as a result of the incident a number of people were reportedly injured, including police personnel. Additionally, service vehicles belonging to police as well as stalls at Kobakma Central Market were damaged.

“A flag and a number of other evidence items have been secured in the interest of further investigation. We appeal to the public to remain calm, not easily provoked. The current situation has been conducive and remain under surveillance by the security apparatus,” AKBP Muh Mukabsi said. (*)

New Zealand's first home buyers continue to purchase property at near record levels, entering the market in greater numbers and securing more houses than in previous years, despite the market’s uncertain outlook.

The latest Cotality Westpac First Home Buyer Report shows first home buyers accounted for 27.5% of all sales in the first quarter of 2026, just short of the 28.2% record set in the final three months of last year.

Over the past 12 months, first home buyers purchased around 24,800 properties, the highest annual total since Q3 2021. Standalone houses comprised nearly 77% of all first home buyer purchases in the first three months of this year, the highest proportion since 2020 and up from 75% last year.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said market conditions had continued to favour first home buyers across most of the country.

He said while first home buyers have historically been willing to compromise on location or property type to move from renter to homeowner, there was little need for concessions in the current market.

“Lower property values and reduced mortgage costs have made a real difference, and we’re seeing that translate directly into activity,” Mr Davidson said.

“First home buyers are not just holding their ground, they are securing the type of property they want. There’s been an increase in standalone house purchases, which reflects how a more subdued market can present opportunities for those who have a deposit saved and the financial means to service a mortgage.”

Prices and deposits

Despite the weaker overall market conditions, first home buyers are paying a slightly higher median price of $720,000 to get into the market this year. That figure is up from around $700,000 in 2025, but below the Q1 2022 peak of $740,000.

Mr Davidson noted a typical first home buyer is not always buying the cheapest property available, instead often entering the market above the all-buyer lower quartile figure of $600,000.

“FHBs are getting the most for their money in a quieter housing market,” he said.

“It shows that a first-time buyer doesn’t always enter at the bottom of the market and work their way up, many enter the market well above the lowest tiers of the ladder.”

Reserve Bank data shows that more than half of first home buyer loans have recently been taken out with less than a 20% deposit. Westpac’s own lending records indicate the average loan-to-value ratio for first home buyers has risen to 81% nationally over the past year, up from below 77% in 2024.

Mr Davidson said the availability of high-LVR lending remained one of the most important structural supports for first home buyers.

“Many first home buyers don’t need a 20% deposit, and that’s been a significant factor in sustaining activity. Combined with KiwiSaver access, the pathway into ownership is more accessible than it appears,” he said.

Buyer age and location

Westpac’s borrower data shows the average age of first home buyers skewed younger last year, decreasing from 36 to 35 years of age. Auckland’s average remains higher at around 37, reflecting some lingering affordability pressures, while lower-priced regions such as Taranaki and Southland attract younger buyers.

First home buyer market share remains above long-term averages in every major centre. The wider Wellington area recorded the highest share at 37% of all purchases in Q1 2026, around 8 percentage points above its historical average. Hamilton was similarly elevated at 33%, with Auckland at 30%. Tauranga recorded 23%, still strong relative to its own average of 17%.

Among the main urban areas, Napier was a standout at 31%, 11 percentage points above its average, followed by Gisborne and Palmerston North, both above 30%.

Mortgage costs significantly lower

The reduction in borrowing costs over the past year has materially improved affordability for buyers. Excluding Auckland, minimum mortgage repayments on a typical first home are estimated to be around $130 per month lower than a year ago, and approximately $820 per month below 2024 levels. In Auckland, where entry prices are higher, the monthly saving is closer to $180 compared to a year ago and approximately $1,100 relative to 2024.

Westpac NZ Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod said the improvement in affordability had been a key driver of first home buyer activity, though the economic environment was becoming more complex.

“The falls in the OCR over the past year have been especially important for the property market and have made it meaningfully easier for first home buyers to get a foot on the ladder,” Mr Ranchhod said.

“However, rising oil prices and the associated lift in inflation are now creating a more challenging backdrop. We expect the Reserve Bank will begin raising the OCR from September, and fixed mortgage rates have already started to move higher from their recent lows. Prospective buyers would benefit from thinking carefully about how they structure their borrowing ahead of that trend.”

Outlook remains favourable

Despite the fluid macro environment, Westpac is forecasting only a modest fall in house prices of around 1% this year, with a gradual return to more moderate growth thereafter.

Mr Davidson said the key drivers supporting first home buyer activity remain in place.
“As other buyer groups begin to return to the market in larger numbers, first home buyers’ share of activity may ease from its current highs,” he said.

“However, in a gradually busier market they are still completing more purchases in absolute terms, and the conditions underpinning that trend are unlikely to disappear overnight.”

Source: Insurance Council of NZ

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation