Australia probes assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli forces

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have begun inquiries into claims that Israeli forces raped and tortured a group of activists detained after they tried to deliver aid to Gaza by boat.

The move followed a meeting on Monday with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials, after four female activists from the Global Sumud flotilla testified about their experiences.

An Israeli embassy spokesperson said there was "no credible evidence" to back the claims and that no formal complaint had been made. The embassy also called the activists "professional provocateurs" and asserted the accusations were false.

Eleven Australians were among the hundreds who were detained on 18 May when the Gaza‑bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted. The activists claim they were kidnapped, abused, raped and tortured. They have said they will be the subject of an independent investigation.

Foreign Minister Wong stated that she believed the claims and would seek an independent, transparent investigation. The AFP confirmed it is taking a victim‑centric, trauma‑informed approach in its inquiries.

Wong's spokesperson added that the Minister has raised the allegations multiple times with Israel, expecting "an independent, transparent investigation" into the reported abuses.

The meeting was the first time Toni met with the activists; it was meant to give her and other officials a direct view of their experiences.

The Australian government has also sanctioned Israeli Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir for a video in which he taunted activists with hands tied behind their backs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later condemned Ben‑Gvir’s actions as "not in line with Israel's values and norms".

The Israeli embassy reiterated that no credible evidence of assault had been presented and that no formal complaints had been lodged, according to the national broadcaster ABC. The situation remains a point of contention between Australia and Israel.