SYDNEY — Australia is investigating allegations of torture, sexual assault and mistreatment by a group of activists against Israeli forces who detained after them after intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The move was announced shortly after four female activists, who were part of the Global Sumud flotilla in May, met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials including police on Monday.“The Australian government has committed to undertaking an independent investigation into Israel’s assaults, sexual assaults and torture of the flotilla activists,” the group said in a social media post.The activists were among participants on a Gaza-bound aid vessel intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Similar inquiries have been launched in Italy and France over the treatment of flotilla participants.Italy’s investigation reportedly includes scrutiny of comments and footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir that showed detainees being restrained aboard a vessel after the interception.An Israeli embassy spokesperson in Canberra said there was “no credible evidence” to back the claims and no formal complaint had yet been made to them.Eleven Australians were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces on 18 May after their Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted.After Monday’s meeting, one of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said Wong “believes” the group’s claims against Israeli forces and police had indicated they would take action.”They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture,” Lamont told reporters.The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed it had “begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group” and that it “engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach”.”The AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time,” the spokesperson said.Monday’s meeting was the first time Wong had met with the activists and a spokesperson from her office said it gave her and others an opportunity to “listen to them directly about their experiences”.”Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and the behaviour of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned,” Wong’s spokesperson said.There was widespread condemnation after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Ben-Gvir actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.The Israeli embassy in Australia claimed the activists were “professional provocateurs” and that their accusations had “already been proven to be false”.”Regarding their claims of physical and sexual assault, to date, no credible evidence has been presented, and no formal complaints have been submitted to the embassy,” the embassy said, according the national broadcaster ABC.SYDNEY — Australia is investigating allegations of torture, sexual assault and mistreatment by a group of activists against Israeli forces who detained after them after intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The move was announced shortly after four female activists, who were part of the Global Sumud flotilla in May, met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials including police on Monday.“The Australian government has committed to undertaking an independent investigation into Israel’s assaults, sexual assaults and torture of the flotilla activists,” the group said in a social media post.The activists were among participants on a Gaza-bound aid vessel intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Similar inquiries have been launched in Italy and France over the treatment of flotilla participants.Italy’s investigation reportedly includes scrutiny of comments and footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir that showed detainees being restrained aboard a vessel after the interception.An Israeli embassy spokesperson in Canberra said there was “no credible evidence” to back the claims and no formal complaint had yet been made to them.Eleven Australians were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces on 18 May after their Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted.After Monday’s meeting, one of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said Wong “believes” the group’s claims against Israeli forces and police had indicated they would take action.”They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture,” Lamont told reporters.The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed it had “begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group” and that it “engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach”.”The AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time,” the spokesperson said.Monday’s meeting was the first time Wong had met with the activists and a spokesperson from her office said it gave her and others an opportunity to “listen to them directly about their experiences”.”Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and the behaviour of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned,” Wong’s spokesperson said.There was widespread condemnation after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Ben-Gvir actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.The Israeli embassy in Australia claimed the activists were “professional provocateurs” and that their accusations had “already been proven to be false”.”Regarding their claims of physical and sexual assault, to date, no credible evidence has been presented, and no formal complaints have been submitted to the embassy,” the embassy said, according the national broadcaster ABC.
Australia to investigate assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli forces
