Last month, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) detained hundreds of activists en route to Gaza aboard aid flotillas.
Multiple Australians from the flotillas alleged IDF soldiers sexually assaulted them while they were in custody.
After a meeting with the activists and two federal ministers this week, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched an investigation into their allegations.
The Israeli Ambassador to Australia called the investigation a “mistake”.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
On 14 May, around 50 boatsdeparted from Türkiye towards Gaza as part of the Global Sumud and Freedom flotillas.
The activists, including 11 Australians, said their aim was to deliver aid, including food, and medical, sanitary and educational supplies.
En route, all vessels were intercepted by the IDF, who detained the activists.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video oftheir detention, showing troops shove and push the detainees. Israel then deported the group.
Allegations
Upon their arrival in Australia, multiple activists alleged that whilein custody, IDF soldiers assaulted them.
Speaking to media at Melbourne Airport, Violet CoCo alleged: “Israel beat, tortured and sexually assaulted me and my fellow humanitarian peace activists for days.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong was asked about the allegations on 4 June at Senate Estimates, saying her “position is to always believe women when allegations of sexual assault are made”.
Investigation
This week, activists Neve O’Connor, Luca Lamont, Juliet Lamont, and Gemma O’Toole met with Wong and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly.
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In a statement to TDA, a spokesperson for Wong said the ministers requested the AFP be present in the meeting and“explain investigative options to the group.”
An AFP spokesperson told TDA it “engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach.”
“Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and the behaviour of Israeli Minister [Itamar] Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned. Minister Wong has raised these allegations multiple times and made clear directly to Israel that Australia expects an independent, transparent investigation.” - A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a statement to TDA.
AFP powers
The AFP has posts in 40countries, including four in the Middle East, though not in Israel.
It has the power to investigate breaches of international law overseas, such as crimes against humanity.
Sexual violence is considered a crime against humanity if it is carried out “as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population”.
Response
On Wednesday morning, Israeli ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman told ABC Radio National the activists alleging the IDF had assaulted them were“professional provocateurs.”
Newman said it is a “terrible world where you can... be accused of rape without any credible evidence”.
“[The AFP is] wasting their time on such a futile accusation,” Newman said.
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