Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed her belief in the allegations made by some Australian activists concerning sexual assault during their detention by Israeli forces. This statement was made in response to inquiries from Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi during a tense Senate estimates hearing.
In May, eleven Australians were apprehended while attempting to reach Gaza as part of a humanitarian mission known as the Global Sumud Flotilla. Following their detention, the flotilla has lodged a formal submission to the International Criminal Court, accusing the Israeli authorities of war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and various violations of international law.
During the hearing, Senator Faruqi highlighted the accounts of three female activists. One participant, Juliet Lamont, claimed she was subjected to sexual assault, restrained with cable ties, and had water forcefully thrown in her face, leading her to fear drowning. She alleged, “they wrenched my trousers and underwear down and I was raped by one of the soldiers,” and mentioned that others had guns inserted into their bodies.
Senator Faruqi also referenced activist Neve O’Connor, who reported experiencing sexual humiliation, and Violet Coco, who alleged she was sexually assaulted. When asked for her stance on these claims, Senator Wong reiterated her commitment to believing women who come forward with such allegations, stating, “Those allegations are terrible, they are horrific, the treatment is unacceptable. I express my empathy to those women to whom that was done.”
The Israeli embassy in Australia has been approached for a statement regarding these allegations. Previously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied any mistreatment of the flotilla participants while in custody, asserting that their protocols mandate respectful treatment and that any complaints would be thoroughly investigated.
In the hearing, Senator Wong noted that the Australian government has urged Israel to conduct a prompt and transparent inquiry into the allegations. She condemned the degrading treatment depicted in available footage and emphasized that she had directly addressed this issue with her Israeli counterpart. “Australia’s expectation is that these allegations be urgently investigated,” she stated.
Independent Senator David Pocock questioned whether Australia would push for an independent investigation rather than one managed by Israeli authorities. Wong responded that while Australia desires a comprehensive investigation, the determination of its nature lies outside their control.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials were also questioned regarding their interactions with the Australian activists prior to their deportation. DFAT representative Elizabeth McGregor explained that consular staff had no access to the activists, noting that a screen had obstructed their view of events behind it. “We have expressed our concern a number of times to the Israeli authorities that we did not have any consular access in Israel,” she stated.
When asked by Greens Senator David Shoebridge if Australian officials had heard cries for help or sounds of violence, McGregor reported that the environment was chaotic and noisy, but they did hear screams.
