Australia to probe assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli forces

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Australia to probe assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli forces4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLana LamSydneyGlobal Sumud FlotillaJuliet Lamont, Neve O'Connor, Gemma O'Toole and Luca Lamont were detained in May by Israeli forcesThe Australian Federal Police () are investigating claims that Israeli forces raped and tortured a group of activists who were detained after trying to deliver aid to Gaza by boat. The move was announced shortly after four female activists, who were part of the Global Sumud flotilla in May, met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials including police on Monday. An Israeli embassy spokesperson said there was "no credible evidence" to back the claims and no formal complaint had yet been made to them.

Eleven Australians were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces on 18 May after their Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted. After Monday's meeting, one of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said Wong "believes" the group's claims against Israeli forces and police had indicated they would take action. "They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture," Lamont told reporters.

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The confirmed it had "begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group" and that it "engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach". "The will provide an update at an appropriate time," the spokesperson said. Monday's meeting was the first time Wong had met with the activists and a spokesperson from her office said it gave her and others an opportunity to "listen to them directly about their experiences".

The minister has raised the allegations several times with Israel and expects "an independent, transparent investigation," the spokesperson said. "Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and the behaviour of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned," Wong's spokesperson said. There was widespread condemnation after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Ben-Gvir actions were "not in line with Israel's values and norms". The Israeli embassy in Australia claimed the activists were "professional provocateurs" and that their accusations had "already been proven to be false". "Regarding their claims of physical and sexual assault, to date, no credible evidence has been presented, and no formal complaints have been submitted to the embassy," the embassy said, according the national broadcaster ABC.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.