In brief
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched an inquiry into claims that Israeli soldiers raping and torturing activists from the Global Sumud flotilla during their May detainment. The activists met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong following the incident, and the AFP is promised a victim‑centric, trauma‑informed approach. Israeli officials dismiss the allegations as unsubstantiated, while the flotilla members insist their claims will be formally investigated. The tale comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Australia over the Gaza conflict.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has begun an investigation after activists from the Global Sumud flotilla alleged they were raped and tortured by Israeli forces when their Gaza-bound boat was intercepted on 18 May.
The four women – Juliet Lamont, Neve O’Connor, Gemma O’Toole and Luca Lamont – met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior police officials only a day after the allegations surfaced. Lamont told reporters that Wong had "believed" the activists' claims and that the minister was preparing a formal response.
AFP spokespersons say they have "begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group" and will provide an update when an investigation is underway. The force maintains that it is "engaging with a victim‑centric, trauma‑informed approach".
An Israeli embassy spokesperson denied the accusations, stating there was "no credible evidence" supporting the claims and that no formal complaint had yet been lodged with Israel. The embassy further declared the activists were “professional provocateurs” and that their allegations had been "proven to be false".
The conflict followed a widely criticised video by far‑right Israeli minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir in which he taunts the hand‑cuffed activists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later called Ben‑Gvir’s actions "not in line with Israel’s values and norms".
The activists, of whom eleven Australians were detained, had been campaigning to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via a flotilla in early May. Their detention and alleged mistreatment have intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s operations in the region.
For further details, read the BBC article on the activists’ deportation.
