Activists detained during the Gaza flotilla raid say they were raped, tortured, and abused in Israeli custody
Australian police have begun inquiries into claims that Israeli forces raped, tortured, and abused activists detained during last month’s raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed the move after four women from the Global Sumud Flotilla met Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Multicultural Minister Anne Aly, and senior police officials in Canberra on Monday.
The activists were among 11 Australians detained in May when Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, which was attempting to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
One of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said the officials had taken the allegations seriously, including claims that detainees were kidnapped, tortured, imprisoned, and raped. The AFP said it was handling the matter using a “victim centric, trauma-informed approach.”
Israel has rejected the allegations. Its embassy in Australia said there was “no credible evidence” to support the claims, described the activists as “professional provocateurs,” and said that the accusations had “already been proven to be false.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla has also filed a submission with the International Criminal Court alleging war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and other violations of international law by Israeli forces.
The Australian inquiry comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of flotilla detainees. More than 400 activists from around 40 countries were detained when Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters off Cyprus. Former detainees from several countries have alleged beatings, sexual assault, humiliation, and denial of legal access.
The incident drew wider outrage after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir filmed himself taunting activists as they knelt with their hands tied behind their backs.
Australia has condemned Ben-Gvir’s conduct and sanctioned him. France and Italy have also opened legal proceedings over alleged abuse of flotilla detainees, while Canada has called for an independent investigation.
Israel has repeatedly denied mistreating detainees and says that the flotilla missions are political provocations designed to aid Hamas.
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