Australia to investigate allegations of abuse by Gaza flotilla activists
Australian activists who were detained after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla say the Australian government has committed to investigating allegations of assault, sexual assault and mistreatment during their detention.
According to the activist group Global Movement to Gaza Aotearoa-Australia, the commitment followed meetings with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for International Development Anne Aly and senior representatives from the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“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.