Australia to probe assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli[..]
5 hours ago
- #Australia-Israel Relations
- #Human Rights Allegations
- #Gaza Aid Flotilla
- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating claims of rape and torture by Israeli forces against activists from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla detained in May.
- Four female activists from the Global Sumud flotilla met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials, with one activist stating Wong believes their claims and an independent investigation is committed.
- An Israeli embassy spokesperson dismissed the claims, stating no credible evidence or formal complaints had been presented, and labeled the activists as 'professional provocateurs'.
- The meeting allowed Wong to directly hear the activists' experiences; she has raised the allegations with Israel, condemning Israeli authorities and sanctioned Minister Ben-Gvir for taunting activists.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Ben-Gvir's actions, saying they were not aligned with Israel's values, amid widespread condemnation of the incident.