Australian Federal Police (AFP) have started looking into serious claims made by a group of activists who were stopped by Israeli forces while trying to bring aid to Gaza by sea. The investigation was announced after four women from the aid mission met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and other senior officials on Monday. Police representatives also attended the meeting.
The activists were part of the Global Sumud flotilla, a group of boats that tried to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza in May. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels on 18 May and detained the people on board. Among those detained were 11 Australians.
One of the activists, Juliet Lamont, spoke to reporters after the meeting. She said Australian officials had listened carefully to their experiences. Lamont stated that the government concurred with the need for an independent examination of the allegations. The activists allege that authorities subjected them to kidnapping, mistreatment, rape, and torture during their detention. Lamont said authorities promised to look into the allegations.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed that enquiries have begun. A police spokesperson said officers are examining the information provided by a representative of the group. The AFP added that it would handle the matter using a victim-focused and trauma-informed approach. No timeline has been given for the investigation.
A spokesperson for Penny Wong said the meeting allowed officials to hear directly from the activists about what happened during their detention. The minister has reportedly raised the allegations with Israeli authorities several times and is calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
The issue has drawn attention in Australia and overseas. Earlier, Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced criticism after sharing a video that appeared to show detained activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. The footage caused widespread condemnation.
Israel has strongly rejected the activists’ accusations. An Israeli embassy spokesperson said there is no reliable evidence supporting the claims. The embassy also stated that no formal complaint has been submitted to them. It described the activists as people seeking publicity and said previous accusations had already been proven false. The investigation by Australian authorities is continuing.
