Australia Investigates Alleged Abuse of Gaza Flotilla Activists By Israeli Forces
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confirmed they are looking into serious claims that Israeli forces raped and tortured activists who were detained after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by boat.
The allegations surfaced shortly after four female members of the Global Sumud flotilla were detained by Israeli forces on 18 May. They later met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials, and the AFP began formal inquiries into the accusations.
“They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture,” said Juliet Lamont, one of the activists, in a press briefing. Fiona Wong’s office has indicated it expects a transparent and independent probe.
The Israeli embassy has denied the accusations, stating there is no credible evidence and no formal complaints have been filed with them. The embassy also labelled the activists “professional provocateurs.”
The controversy is part of a broader backlash over the treatment of activists in Israel, highlighted by far‑right minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir’s video showing him taunting handcuffed activists, which was condemned by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “not in line with Israel’s values and norms.”
The AFP will provide an update at a suitable time, according to their spokesperson. Meanwhile, Australian authorities will review the allegations with a victim‑centric, trauma‑informed approach as part of their ongoing investigation.
