Australia to probe Israel’s alleged abuse of flotilla activists

This photograph shows vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters, outside the town of Ierapetra in the island of Crete, Greece, on May 1, 2026. (AFP)

• Some members of a group of Australian activists have alleged they were subjected to “physical, psychological and sexual abuse” by their Israeli captors
• Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked widespread condemnation after he posted a video mocking the flotilla activists

SYDNEY: Australia’s federal police said Monday they are investigating claims of abuse by Israeli officials made by citizens who were detained following the interception of 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’s embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
Israel detained more than 430 activists from countries around the world in May after intercepting them in international waters.
It was the latest in a string of attempts by activists to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked widespread condemnation after he posted a video mocking the flotilla activists while their hands were bound.
A number of European countries have banned Ben Gvir from entering over his conduct.
The far-right minister has been under a travel ban barring him from entry to Australia since last year.