The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating claims that Israeli forces raped. tortured a group of activists who were detained after trying to deliver aid to Gaza by boat.
The move was announced shortly after four female activists, who were part of the Global Sumud flotilla in May, met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. senior officials including police on Monday.
An Israeli embassy spokesperson said there was "no credible evidence" to back the claims. no formal complaint had yet been made to them.
Eleven Australians were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces on 18 May after their Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted.
After Monday's meeting, one of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said Wong "believes" the group's claims against Israeli forces. police had indicated they would take action.
"They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture," Lamont told reporters.
The AFP confirmed it had "begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group". that it "engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach".
"The AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time," the spokesperson said.
Monday's meeting was the first time Wong had met with the activists. a spokesperson from her office said it gave her and others an opportunity to "listen to them directly about their experiences".
The minister has raised the allegations several times with Israel and expects "an independent, transparent investigation", the spokesperson said.
"Minister Wong has condemned the actions of Israeli authorities. the behaviour of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir who we have already sanctioned," Wong's spokesperson said.
There was widespread condemnation after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvirposted a video showing himself taunting activistskneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Ben-Gvir actions were "not in line with Israel's values and norms".
The Israeli embassy in Australia claimed the activists were "professional provocateurs". that their accusations had "already been proven to be false".
"Regarding their claims of physical. sexual assault, to date, no credible evidence has been presented, and no formal complaints have been submitted to the embassy," the embassy said, according the national broadcaster ABC.
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.