Israel abducted more than 430 activists from countries around the world in May in international waters. [Getty]
Australia’s federal police said Monday they are investigating claims of abuse by Israeli officials made by citizens who were abducted by the Israeli navy in international waters from their Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month.
Some members of a group of Australian activists have alleged they were subjected to “physical, psychological and sexual abuse” by their Israeli captors and demanded Canberra take action.
Following a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday, the group said the Australian government had “committed to undertaking an independent investigation” into those allegations.
In a statement, Australia’s federal police confirmed they had “begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group”.
“The (police force) engages with a victim-centric, trauma-informed approach,” a spokesperson said, adding they would “provide an update at an appropriate time”.
Foreign Minister Wong said this month she believed women who said they had been subject to sexual abuse and assault by Israeli forces.
Israel abducted more than 430 activists from countries around the world in May in international waters during the latest attempt by activists to break Israel’s decades-long illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked widespread condemnation after he posted a video mocking and threatening the flotilla activists while their hands were bound.
The far-right, fanatical minister has been under a travel ban from entry to Australia since last year.
