Australian Federal Police have begun inquiries into allegations that Israeli defence personnel sexually assaulted Australian activists who were detained after joining a humanitarian flotilla attempting to reach Gaza last month.
A group of Australian activists met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Parliament House on Monday, in an “emotionally charged meeting” where the activists said they received an assurance the AFP would investigate their claims.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has also lodged a submission with the International Criminal Court alleging war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and other breaches of international law by Israeli forces.
An Israeli embassy spokesperson categorically rejected the allegations, saying they 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 through its social media account.
“They are professional provocateurs and their credibility should be judged accordingly.
“Israel will continue to address any allegations through the appropriate legal and investigative channels, not through trial by media.”
Wong ‘believes we were kidnapped’
Activist Juliet Lamont said Senator Wong was receptive during the half hour meeting, joined by the AFP and Multicultural Minister Anne Aly, which largely centred around the trauma the women allege they suffered.
Juliet Lamont claims a commitment for the AFP to investigate their allegations of assault, “a win”. (ABC News)
“She [Senator Wong] definitely believes we were kidnapped, that we were tortured and that we were imprisoned and that some of us were raped. So that has been established that she believes that,” Ms Lamont told reporters following the meeting.
“The AFP have committed to taking on an independent investigation.”
Police said in a statement they had begun inquiries in line with a “victim centric, trauma-informed approach” and would provide an update at a later time.
The group said they were encouraged to submit their testimonies of abuse to the police, who would then reach out to Israel to collaborate on an investigation.
A spokesperson for Israel’s embassy in Australia has previously said the allegations had not been substantiated.
While Ms Lamont considered the investigation “a win”, she said they had not met three other demands by the group, including a call to publicly condemn Israel’s treatment of the activists.
Neve O’Connor said their demand to expel the Israeli ambassador had been “met with division”.
Senator Wong has raised the allegations multiple times with Israel and advocated for an “independent and transparent investigation”, her office confirmed.
“Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and the behaviour of Israeli minister Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned,” a spokesperson for the minister said.
“Australia’s ambassador in Israel continues to seek updates on any investigation by Israeli authorities.”
The group labelled the meeting a “step forward”, but called to also meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
